Background: Some studies have recommended combining germinal matrix excision with
phenol ablation in the treatment of
onychocryptosis. Matrixectomy after phenolization has been shown to be an effective modification to reduce the drawbacks associated with phenolization alone, although it increases the risk of minor postoperative
bleeding. The present study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of
gelatin sponges as
hemostatic agents in partial matrixectomy after phenolization. Methods: A comparative clinical trial in parallel groups was designed in 74 halluces (44 patients) with stage I, II, and III
onychocryptosis. All participants were randomly assigned to 3 groups: Group A (control group), Group B (conventional
gelatin sponge), and Group C (high porosity
gelatin sponge). Results: The quantified mean blood loss in the first 48 h after surgery in patients in both experimental groups was significantly lower compared to the control group. The lowest mean blood loss was recorded in Group C (p < 0.001) and followed by Group B (p = 0.005). No adverse effects were recorded in any of the patients included in the experimental groups. Conclusions:
Hemostatic gelatin sponges were demonstrated to be effective and safe devices for the control of minor postoperative
bleeding associated with matrixectomy after segmental phenolization.