Surgical staples: Uses, safety, and removal
Surgical Staples: Uses, Safety, and Removal
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Surgeons frequently employ surgical staples to close an incision after surgery, serving as an efficient alternative to traditional sutures. These staples are not only quick and easy to use but also generally have a low risk of infection.
During most surgical procedures, the surgeon creates an incision that needs to be closed post-operation to prevent infection and facilitate healing. Surgical staples are often chosen over sutures for this purpose.
This article provides an in-depth look at what surgical staples are, their various applications, how long they typically stay in the body, and guidelines for proper care.
What are Surgical Staples?
Surgical staples are medical staples, usually made of metal, that hold tissues together during post-surgical recovery. Surgeons use them as an alternative to sutures. Common materials for these staples include titanium and stainless steel. However, they can also be made of iron, chromium, nickel, and even plastic.
The shapes of surgical staples can vary, featuring straight, curved, or circular designs.
Uses of Surgical Staples
Surgical staples are deployed to close wounds or incisions on the skin post-surgery. Surgeons may also use them internally to join tissues within the body. In some cases, these internal staples can be permanent and don't require removal.
The advantages of using surgical staples include:
- Quick and easy placement
- Minimal tissue reaction
- Low risk of infection
- Strong wound closure
How Long Do Surgical Staples Stay in the Body?
Medical professionals typically remove surgical staples between 10 and 12 days after the procedure, though this can vary. Factors that influence the duration include the size and direction of the incision, type of surgery, area of the body, and the speed at which the wound heals.
In some scenarios, surgical staples can close a wound up to ten times faster than sutures.
How to Care for Surgical Staples
Proper hygiene is crucial when dealing with surgical staples. Always wash your hands before and after touching the incision. The goal is to keep the area dry and avoid activities that could introduce dirt or sweat into the incision.
Consult your doctor about when it's safe to bathe. Until then, sponge baths are advisable to keep the incision dry. If the staples do get wet, gently pat them dry instead of rubbing.
A protective bandage will typically cover the incision. Follow medical advice on when it can be removed or changed, usually after the first 12 hours. After this period, aim to change the dressing every 24 hours or as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Once permitted to get the incision wet, clean the area daily by:
- Washing and drying your hands
- Removing the bandage
- Washing the area with soap and warm water
- Using a wet cotton swab to remove any residual blood or crust
- Patting the area dry and applying a thin layer of antibiotic ointment
- Putting on a new bandage
- Washing your hands again
Avoid using products containing hydrogen peroxide as they can slow healing. A thin layer of petroleum jelly can also help protect the area, followed by a nonstick bandage. Avoid activities that may cause the wound to reopen.
Removal of Surgical Staples
Surgical staples should be removed only by a medical professional using a specialized tool called a staple remover. In some cases, local anesthetic like lidocaine may be used to ease the pain during removal. Research shows that lidocaine patches effectively reduce the pain associated with staple removal.
Surgical Staple Procedure
Typically, the application of surgical staples requires two medical professionals. The first person uses forceps to align the edges of the skin for proper closure. The second applies the staples using a surgical stapler.
Risks of Surgical Staples
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a potential risk when using surgical staples. However, a 2019 study found insufficient evidence to suggest a difference in SSI risk between surgical staples and sutures in orthopedic surgeries.
Other risks include:
- Opening of the staple line
- Malformation of staples
- Misfiring of staples
- Misapplication of staples
Staple malfunctions or misuse can lead to prolonged surgeries or additional interventions. For deep internal staples, complications can include bleeding, sepsis, and tissue tearing, which can be life-threatening.
Concerns about scarring are also common, but surgical staples sometimes reduce skin tension, which helps to manage bleeding and minimize scar risk.
Summary
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Surgical staples serve as a faster, often less painful alternative to sutures for closing incisions. They generally remain in the body for 10–12 days, although this varies based on multiple factors.
It's crucial to rely on a medical professional to remove surgical staples to avoid complications. Though surgical staples pose certain risks, research suggests that the risk of SSIs is comparable to that of sutures. Potential issues include staple line openings, misfires, and malformations.
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