What is Corn removal surgery?
Corn removal surgery is a technique to remove thick, hard skin that appears on the feet, hands, or fingers due to continuous friction and pressure. Medically, corns are known as clavus or heloma. Corns are known to have a dense core, causing unbearable pain and discomfort if left untreated.
Corn removal surgery is a technique used to treat severe and recurring cases of corns, or when an underlying bone malformation is present, and is identified as the root cause. A podiatrist or dermatologist is the specialist who recommends a corn removal surgery if non-surgical treatments like corn pads, pumice stones, or professional shaving by a doctor fail to provide any relief. Corn removal surgery is done if
If corns cause severe, continuous pain that interferes with day-to-day activities like walking.
If corns recur even after treatment, it indicates a structural issue.
If corn is caused by an existing deformity of bone, like hammertoe or bunion, which creates abnormal pressure on the skin.
If corn becomes infected and turns red, it causes swelling and is filled with pus.
Patients with diabetes or poor circulation also have a high risk of corn infection, which can cause ulcers from corns. Thus, making corn removal surgery the most useful treatment method.
Types of Corn Removal Surgery
There are three types of corn removal surgery, and procedures are dependent on how severe the corn is and its location.
- Excision is a type of corn removal surgery technique, where the surgeon uses a scalpel to carefully cut out the thickened skin and the core of the corn. For corns caused by underlying bone prominence. Then a correction of the bone can be performed along with corn removal surgery.
- Laser surgery is used to vaporize the hardened tissue of corn. This method is minimally invasive, with less bleeding and a faster recovery time than excision surgery, the other form.
- Bone modification surgery is a type of corn removal surgery for corns caused by foot malformations. The underlying bone structure may be realigned. Procedures like osteotomy, where bones in the toes are cut and realigned with pins or screws. Arthroplasty, in which a portion of the toe joint is removed to restore the function.
| Procedure Name | Corn Removal |
|---|---|
| Type of Surgery | Minor surgery |
| Type of Anesthesia | Local Anesthesia/General Anesthesia in some cases |
| Procedure Duration | Less than 30 minutes |
| Recovery Duration | 1-2 weeks |
Corn Removal: Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
Pre-operative care: Preparation before the Corn removal Procedure
Corn removal surgery is a minor, same-day procedure, done when non-surgical treatments fail to relieve pain from deep or persistent corns. Before the start of the procedure, the doctor or podiatrist will evaluate the patient’s medical profile
In the medical profile, the doctor reviews the symptoms of the patient and asks about the type of footwear and day-to-day activities. Also, pre-existing conditions like diabetes, which usually affect healing.
If a bone malformation is suspected as the cause of corn, an X-ray or computed tomography may be ordered. A biopsy is done to rule out other skin problems
A consultation with a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon may be required in special cases with a structural foot problem as the root cause.
Intra-operative: Corn removal surgery Procedure
Corn removal surgery is a typical and straightforward surgery technique that lasts for about 30 to 60 minutes.
Firstly, the area around the corn is numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure a pain-free procedure.
The surgeon then uses a sterile scalpel or laser to carefully remove thick layers of skin and corn’s central core.
If the corn is caused by an underlying bone prominence or foot deformity, the surgeon performs a procedure like osteotomy to realign the bone and prevent recurrence.
The area is cleaned after the corn is removed. The wound is small and may not require stitches, unless the tissue was deeply involved.
A sterile bandage or dressing is then applied to the site.
Post-operative care: The recovery
Recovery from simple corn removal is fairly quick, but complex procedures may take a long time.
Pain management is usually done by over-the-counter medication, and elevating the foot for the first 24 to 48 hours to reduce the swelling.
Surgical dressing must be clean and dry. The patient should follow the doctor’s instructions on how to care for the wound, when to change the dressing, and when to remove stitches.
The patient should limit strenuous physical activity and avoid putting pressure on the treated area for several weeks.
The patient should wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes with a wide toe box to prevent recurrence. A surgical shoe or boot may be required for more involved surgeries.
The patient’s feet should be kept clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection.
The patients should watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge, and should contact a doctor if they occur.
Regular check-ups should be done by specialists on the patient, and healing should be monitored to make sure the problem does not return.
Benefits of Corn Removal at Yashoda Hospitals
- Immediate relief
- Comfortable footwear
- Enhanced mobility
- Better foot function
- Correction of structural abnormalities
- Reduced recurrence
- Improved foot function
- Permanent removal
- Addresses deep-seated corns
- Quick pain-relief
- Freedom from pain
- Reduced risk of infection
- Overall foot-health
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