Risks include wound infection, delayed healing (especially in diabetics), painful scar, and recurrence if underlying mechanical factors persist. Careful selection and post-op care minimise these issues.

✦ Corn Excision (Cornectomy)

Corn Excision (Cornectomy)

Q: Will the corn come back after cornectomy?

Recurrence is much lower than after debridement — about 10% versus near-100% with paring alone. Recurrence usually means an underlying bony prominence still exists; this may need osteotomy for definitive cure.

Q: When is osteotomy added?

If imaging shows a bony prominence under the corn (most commonly toe joints or metatarsal heads), osteotomy is added or planned separately. This addresses the root mechanical cause and prevents recurrence.

Q: What is the recovery like?

A protective surgical shoe is worn for 1–2 weeks. Office work resumes within days. Sutures are removed at 10–14 days. Full normal walking and shoe wear by 3 weeks. Avoid wet conditions until healed.

The deep core of a recurrent corn is surgically excised down to the bone — a definitive cure for stubborn corns that keep coming back despite repeated debridement.

15–30 min PROCEDURE

Day-Care HOSPITAL STAY

>90% SUCCESS RATE

2–3 Weeks RECOVERY

What is Corn Excision (Cornectomy)?

Cornectomy is the surgical excision of a recurrent or deeply rooted corn down to the underlying bone, removing both the core and the deep keratin plug that drives recurrence. Performed under local anaesthesia as a day-care procedure, the corn is excised with an elliptical incision and the wound is closed primarily for optimal healing. Dr. Abhishek performs cornectomy at Lux Hospitals for patients whose corns recur after multiple debridements — providing a definitive cure rather than ongoing palliation.

How the Procedure Works

Local Anaesthesia

Local anaesthetic is infiltrated as a digital or local block for a painless procedure.

Elliptical Incision

An elliptical incision is made around the corn, including the central core.

Deep Excision

The corn is excised down to (but not into) the underlying bone, removing the entire keratin plug.

Wound Closure

Skin is closed with fine non-absorbable sutures for clean healing.

Dressing & Footwear

A protective dressing and post-op surgical shoe are provided for comfortable walking.

Outcomes

15–30 minDURATION

Day-CareHOSPITAL STAY

>90%SUCCESS RATE

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Definitive treatment — much less recurrence than debridement
→Day-care procedure under local anaesthesia
→Quick recovery with return to comfortable walking
→Removes the deep core that drives recurrence
→Can be combined with osteotomy for bony prominences
→Histology rules out other diagnoses if needed

When corns keep coming back despite paring, cornectomy is the right answer — we excise the entire core including the deep root, close cleanly, and give patients lasting relief instead of indefinite palliation.

— Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the corn come back after cornectomy?+

When is osteotomy added?+

What is the recovery like?+

Are there risks?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Abhishek Katha and get a personalised treatment plan.

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