EXCISION OF CORN/ CALLOSITY

What is Corn Removal Surgery?

Corn removal surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed if the patient is suffering from unbearable pain as a result of a corn or callus, which has not been cured by medication and home remedies. Corn removal surgery is very effective in stopping the corn from recurring as it helps in getting rid of pressure and friction that cause corns.

How is Corn Removal Surgery Performed?

Corn removal surgery can be performed to remove hard corns (Heloma Durum) or soft corns (Heloma Molle).

A) Hard Corns

• A corn removal surgery is carried out to remove a hammertoe that causes corns. The painful corns and hammertoe deformities are normally surgically removed by digital arthroplasty and arthrodesis.

• During arthroplasty, a little piece of the bone within the proximal or distal interphalangeal joints is removed.

• This aids in straightening the toe after which the enlarged bone beneath a corn can be removed.

• The procedure of arthrodesis is similar to arthroplasty; however, rather than removing the bone, the two bones are joined together.

• Arthrodesis may lead to a rigid toe, but the recurrence of corns will be reduced.

• Asides arthroplasty and arthrodesis, the tendon may be lengthened to loosen the metatarsophalangeal joint, which completely removes the hammertoe distortion.

B) Soft Corns

• Soft corns are just like the hard corns but they are a result of pressure between two toes instead of an external pressure caused by a shoe.

• An arthroplasty is performed, during which a little piece of the bone within the proximal or distal interphalangeal joints is removed.

• This aids in removing the enlarged bone beneath a corn.

• In cases of recurrent soft corns with prior unsuccessful surgeries, a syndactylization procedure is carried out.

• This is performed by stitching the skin at the bottom of the two toes together, which forms a partial web at the toes.

How to Prepare for Corn Removal Surgery?

• The doctor should be informed if the patient has any ailments or medical complications.

• The doctor should be informed about any treatment that the patient is receiving with or without a prescription.

• The patient is advised to stop smoking for a quick recovery.

Duration of procedure/surgery: 15 to 30 minutes

Days admitted: Corn removal surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.

Anesthesia: Local Anesthesia

Recovery: The patient will undergo a mild pain for 2 to 3 days after the surgery. Pain medication will be provided to manage the pain. - The surgical stitches will be removed in 10 to 14 days after the procedure. - The patient will take approximately 3 to 4 weeks to heal from the surgery and return to normal activities.

Risks:Excessive swelling - Healing delay - Recurrence of the corn if the adequate amount of bone is not removed - Limp toe for a few weeks

After care: The patient should avoid using the foot after operation and should keep the foot elevated to a level above the heart for a minimum of 3 days. - The patient should limit using the foot for 2 to 3 weeks, and should not walk on barefoot for 3 weeks after the surgery. - The patient is expected to wear surgical sandals for approximately 3 weeks or until the swelling is reduced. Not wearing it may lead to swelling, infection and delayed healing.

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