Closure of skin in surgical wounds with skin stapler and conventional sutures: a comparative study

Abstract

Background: Application of suture is the technique of choice for apposition of skin edges in surgical wounds. The same procedure performed with application of staplers is faster and produce better cosmetic outcomes. A comparative study between conventional suture and stapler closure of skin in abdominal surgical wounds was undertaken to study the merits and demerits of the techniques. The aim was to study the time required for closure of surgical wounds, aesthetic outcome, post-operative complications and patient’s compliance.Methods: This was a single centre, prospective, observational study, conducted upon 100 patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. 50 patients were selected for skin closure of surgical wounds with stapler and the other 50 patients for closure with conventional nylon sutures. Data were collected for time required for closure of skin, aesthetic outcome, post-operative complications and patient’s compliance for both the groups for comparison. Data were analysed using student t test for comparison and chi square test of significance. Results: There was significant better results in stapler group in terms of cosmetic outcome (96% vs 88%, p<0.001), time taken during closure (60 vs 219 seconds, p<0.001) and patient’s compliance VAS of 1.44 vs 4.58 p<0.001).Conclusions: Closure of skin with stapler is a faster method. Patient’s compliance with stapler closure is better. It produces cosmetically acceptable scar and less discomfort or pain during its removal.