Nail and Cryo surgery
Brightwell Clinic is able to offer all forms of chiropody and podiatric treatment other than invasive foot bone surgery.
The approach of Susan Sandall (Brightwell's Chiropodist / Podiatrist) to disorders of the foot is to find if possible a non surgical intervention that can be achieved. However this will not always be possible. If bone surgery is required Susan will be able to provide names of Surgical Podiatrists or Orthopaedic Foot Consultants who can perform the necessary surgery.
Susan Sandall can provide from a well equipped treatment room both nail and cryo surgery. She is qualified to provide any required Local Anaesthetics and has available appropriate support staff for nail surgery procedures. In addition Susan has many years experience using these procedures.
What is cryo surgery?
Cryo surgery is a form of treatment for viral lesions such as Veruccae Pedis.
It involves the use of liquid nitrogen (which is held at a temperature of -196° C) applied via a probe to the surface of the lesion for a controlled length of time. The liquid nitrogen freezes the lesion causing rupture and implosion of cells allowing the body's own inflammation and healing to clear away the virus and therefore the Veruccae. It can take several treatments to obtain resolution of a lesion.
Susan does not recommend cryo therapy being used under 11 years of age. Veruccae Pedis virus will resolve of its own accord when the body's own immunity is ready to deal with it.
The criteria for treating are as follows.
What is nail surgery?
Nail surgery involves the total or partial removal of the toe nail plate. This requires destruction of the whole or part of the nail matrix (the cells where a nail plate grows from). When a patient is troubled by severe in-growing nails it may be desirable to avulse (remove) the nail (total nail avulsion) (TNA) or part of the nail (partial nail avulsion (PNA)).
Nail surgery is a sterile invasive procedure carried out under Local Anaesthetic. A sterile field has to be created around the affected area. It will be carried out by a Podiatrist assisted by a nurse or second Podiatrist.
At the Brightwell Clinic protocols have been developed for this whole procedure and the follow up monitoring and re-dressing of the foot. This is a relatively pain free procedure with good outcomes for long term relief from recurring ingrown toe nail plates that often become infected.
This procedure is only carried out after an initial consultation, full history and discussion between the podiatrist and patient, in the case of a minor with at least one parent, who will have to give written consents. The patient's GP is always contacted for information regarding contraindications and follow up antibiotic cover if required and appropriate.