A study of comparison between skin sutures and skin staplers

Abstract

Wound closure is as important as any other action performed by the surgeon. Apart from the need for producing a healthy and strong scar, it is the surgeon's responsibility to ensure its aesthetically pleasing physical appearance. Skin staples are an alternative to regular sutures in offering this advantage. The present study has helped to highlight the comparison between skin sutures and skin staplers. 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 January 2017 to December 2018 at S.V.S Medical College. 200 patients who underwent various surgical procedures. 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.