The skin stapling devices have revolutionized surgery for the purpose of rapid closure of abdominal wounds. However, staples have their own drawbacks. In view of this, this prospective study has been undertaken to highlight the outcomes of closure by staples and sutures with respect to speed of closure, cost effectiveness and post operative wound dehiscence, acceptance of scar and post operative pain. This is a prospective hospital based study conducted in our hospital from October 2009 to September 2011 involving a total of 200 patients who underwent abdominal surgery both on an emergency and elective basis. Results were analyzed and compared with previous studies.It has been found that the use of staples in abdominal surgical wound closure gives faster speed of closure, less postoperative pain, and better cosmetic results. Staples, however, are costlier, and when used in emergency cases, associated with higher rates of wound dehiscence and a less acceptable scar.

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