Surgical staples: Uses, safety, and removal - Medical News Today

Surgeons use surgical staples to close an incision after surgery as an alternative option to sutures. They are quick and easy to use and typically have a low risk of infection.

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During most surgical procedures, a surgeon makes an incision in a person’s skin. After surgery, they must close this incision to prevent infection and allow it to heal. Surgeons often use sutures or surgical staples to close an incision after surgery.

This article outlines what surgical staples are and lists their uses. It also details how long surgical staples remain in the body and how to care for them.

Surgical staples are usually metal staples that hold together tissues in the body. Surgeons often use them as an alternative to sutures to close a wound after surgery.

The metals that most commonly make up surgical staples include titanium and stainless steel. However, other materials that sometimes make up surgical staples can include:

• iron
• chromium
• nickel
• plastic

Surgical staples may be different shapes, including:

• straight
• curved
• circular

Surgeons use surgical staples to close wounds or incisions on a person’s skin after surgery.

Some advantages of using surgical staples over sutures include:

• being quick and easy to place
• having minimal tissue reaction
• having a low risk of infection
• providing strong wound closure

A surgeon may use surgical staples to join tissues within the body. Sometimes, these staples may be permanent and will not require removal.

A medical professional usually removes surgical staples around 10–12 days after the procedure. However, this can vary.

Several factors can affect how long the staples remain in the body, including:

• the size of the incision
• the direction of the incision
• the type of surgery
• the severity of the incision or wound
• the area of the body where the staples are present
• how quickly the wound heals

In some cases, surgical staples can offer wound closure 10 times faster than sutures.

It is important for a person to always wash their hands before and after they touch their incision.

The initial aim is to keep the incision and surgical staples dry. Avoiding activities that could cause dirt or sweat to enter their incision is also important.

A person can check with their doctor when they can bathe again. Until then, a sponge bath is advisable to avoid getting the incision wet. If surgical staples do get wet, an individual can pat rather than rub them dry.

A bandage will usually be in place to protect a person’s incision. It is important to leave this until a medical professional advises they can remove or change it. Usually, after the first 12 hours, a person may aim to change their dressing every 24 hours, or as advised by their doctor.

Once a person is able to get their incision wet, they can aim to clean it once a day by:

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1. Washing and drying their hands.
2. Removing the bandage.
3. Washing the area gently with soap and warm water.
4. Using a wet cotton swab to loosen and remove any blood or crust.
5. Dabbing the area dry and applying a thin layer of antibiotic ointment.
6. Putting on a new bandage.
7. Washing their hands.

When washing the area, it is important to avoid products that contain hydrogen peroxide, as these can slow healing. A person may wish to cover their cut with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. They can then apply a nonstick bandage. Individuals should also avoid any activity that may cause the wound to reopen during healing.

A person should not remove surgical staples at home — a medical professional will remove them using a staple remover tool in a hospital or medical setting.

In some cases, they may use local anesthetic such as lidocaine to help ease the pain of staple removal. Studies show that applying a lidocaine patch around the wound before removing surgical staples can effectively reduce pain.

Applying surgical staples often requires two medical professionals.

The first person will use a pair of forceps to align the edges of the skin. They will then ensure the proper closure of the wound.

The second person will then use a surgical stapler to apply the staples to the wound.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a possible risk of the use of surgical staples. SSIs are infections that can occur after a surgical procedure in the part of the body where the surgery took place.

A meta-analysis compared the risk of SSIs associated with surgical staples and sutures after orthopedic surgery. It concluded that there was insufficient evidence of a difference in SSI risk when comparing surgical staples and sutures after orthopedic surgery.

Other potential risks of surgical staples include:

• the opening of the staple line
• malformation of the staples
• misfiring staples
• misapplied staples

Staple and stapler malfunctions or misuse can result in prolonged surgical procedures or additional surgical interventions. In cases with deep internal staples to realign internal tissues, these can lead to other complications, such as:

• bleeding
• sepsis
• tearing of internal tissues and organs

These complications may also be life threatening.

Some people may have concerns regarding staples and scarring. However, while scarring depends on factors such as the individual and type of wound, staples are sometimes preferable as they can remove tension from the skin edge.

Additionally, staples can apply suitable pressure to manage bleeding. While staples can result in marks on the skin, the risks are typically low if a surgeon removes them within 10–12 days.

Surgical wound closure is a critical aspect of any surgical procedure, and the choice between using sutures or staples can significantly impact the outcome. Both methods have their advantages and drawbacks, and their suitability depends on the specific context of the surgery. In this article, we will compare the benefits and drawbacks of sutures and staples, highlighting when each is most appropriately used.

Sutures: A Traditional Approach

Benefits of Sutures

1. Precision: Sutures allow for precise wound closure, making them ideal for delicate and intricate procedures. Surgeons can tailor the tension and spacing of each stitch to the specific needs of the tissue.
2. Versatility: Sutures are available in various materials (absorbable and non-absorbable) and sizes, making them suitable for different types of tissues and surgical procedures.
3. Reduced Scarring: Fine sutures are often used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries to minimize scarring and promote better aesthetic outcomes.
4. Better for Irregular Wounds: Sutures can effectively close wounds with irregular shapes or edges, providing a more tailored closure.

Drawbacks of Sutures

1. Time-Consuming: Suturing can be a lengthy process, especially for large wounds, which can increase the overall time of the surgery.
2. Skill-Dependent: The quality of the wound closure depends heavily on the surgeon’s skill and experience. Poor suturing technique can lead to complications such as wound dehiscence or infection.
3. Risk of Infection: While sutures can be treated with antimicrobial coatings, there is still a risk of infection if the sutures are not handled properly.

Staples: A Modern Alternative

Benefits of Staples – Know more about Skin Staplers

1. Speed: Stapling is generally much faster than suturing, which can be crucial in emergency situations or during lengthy surgical procedures.
2. Consistency: Staples provide a uniform closure, reducing the variability that can occur with hand-sewn sutures. This consistency can enhance the strength of the wound closure.
3. Lower Infection Rates: Studies have shown that staples may have a lower risk of infection compared to sutures, particularly in certain types of surgeries such as orthopedic or abdominal procedures.
4. Ease of Use: Staples are easier to apply and require less technical skill, making them a practical option for surgeons of varying experience levels.

Drawbacks of Staples

1. Scarring: Staples can leave more noticeable scars compared to sutures, which may be a concern in surgeries where cosmetic outcomes are important.
2. Limited Versatility: Staples are not suitable for all types of tissues or wounds. They are less effective for closing wounds with irregular shapes or delicate tissues.
3. Removal: Staple removal can be uncomfortable for patients and may require a follow-up visit to the healthcare provider. In contrast, absorbable sutures dissolve over time and do not need removal.

When to Use Sutures

• Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery: Fine sutures are preferred to minimize scarring and ensure precise wound closure.
• Complex or Irregular Wounds: Sutures provide better control and adaptability for wounds with irregular shapes or varying tissue types.
• Internal Tissues: Absorbable sutures are ideal for internal tissues that do not require long-term support.

When to Use Staples

• Emergency Situations: The speed and ease of application make staples ideal for trauma cases where time is critical.
• Orthopedic Surgery: Staples are often used in orthopedic procedures for their strength and reduced infection risk.
• Abdominal Surgery: Staples are frequently used in abdominal surgeries due to their lower infection rates and the strength of the closure they provide.

Conclusion

The choice between sutures and staples depends on the specific surgical context, the type of tissue involved, the need for speed, and the desired cosmetic outcome. Both sutures and staples have their unique advantages and limitations, and the decision should be tailored to the individual patient’s needs and the surgeon’s expertise. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each method, healthcare providers can make informed decisions that enhance surgical outcomes and promote optimal healing.

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Auteur: Universal Sutures