Praxis Medical Insights

Est. 2024 • Clinical Guidelines Distilled

Made possible by volunteer editors from the University of Calgary & University of Alberta

Last Updated: 8/27/2025

Partial Medial Aspect Permanent Removal of Left First Toenail

Pre-Procedure Preparation

  • Ensure proper sterilization of the surgical field and administer appropriate local anesthesia, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, to prevent infection in patients undergoing partial nail removal 1

Post-Procedure Care

  • Apply appropriate wound dressings based on the wound characteristics, such as dry or exudative wounds, as suggested by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, to promote healing and prevent infection 2
  • Instruct the patient on proper foot hygiene and wound care, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, to prevent infection and promote healing 1

Special Considerations

For Diabetic Patients

  • Assess for signs of infection or poor circulation before proceeding with partial nail removal, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, to prevent complications in diabetic patients 1
  • Be vigilant for signs of infection post-procedure, as diabetic patients have a higher risk of complications, and consider consultation with a vascular specialist if there are signs of ischemia, as suggested by the British Association of Dermatologists 3

For Patients with Fungal Infections

  • Consider treating the fungal infection before or concurrently with the partial nail removal, as recommended by the British Association of Dermatologists, to prevent infection and promote healing 4, 3
  • Terbinafine is the preferred oral antifungal for diabetic patients with onychomycosis due to lower risk of drug interactions, as suggested by the British Association of Dermatologists 3

Alternative Approaches

Other Surgical Techniques

  • Laser ablation of the nail matrix is an alternative to electrocauterization, but with less evidence supporting its use, as reported by the British Association of Dermatologists 5