Purpose: To compare the merits and demerits of stapled skin closure when compared to conventional sutures skin closure in elective general surgical cases.

Material and Methods:  Total of 100 patients (50 in stapler and 50 in suture group) were selected. They underwent closure of skin incision after general surgical procedures (Like open cholecystectomy, appendectomy, modified radical mastectomy, inguinal hernia repair). According to their assigned growth with either nylon (in suture group) or stainless skin staples (in stapler group). Both the groups were compared and analysed for speed of closure, pain on removal, patient comfort, wound related complications and aesthetic outcome i.e. resulting scar.

Results: The mean incision length in suture group was 7.2±1.2 cm while in stapler group was 7.4±1.1 cm which was statistically insignificant. The mean time of closure was 48 seconds in suture group while in stapler group was 295 seconds which was statistically highly significant (p<0.001).

Conclusion: It was concluded that skin staples are better alternative to conventional sutures in general surgical procedure as they lead to faster wound closure with better aesthetic outcome and patient comfort with low wound complication rates.

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Chauhan A

Associate Professor, Department of Surgery,

Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior (M.P.) India – 474001