When Are Staples BETTER Than Sutures⁉️

Staples versus Sutures For Surgical Incision Closure: When it comes to closing surgical incisions, choice of staples vs. sutures continues to spark discussion among healthcare providers. While both methods effectively close wounds, research reveals important distinctions worth considering.
Staples offer significant time-saving benefits in the OR, with application up to 5 times faster than traditional suturing. This efficiency proves particularly valuable during lengthy procedures or in emergency settings where every minute counts. The mechanical precision of staples also creates uniform tension across the wound, potentially reducing tissue damage. #WoundCare
Research has shown that staple #skinclosure (for some procedures) carries a higher risk of superficial wound infections compared to sutures, particularly in certain orthopedic procedures. This finding should give surgeons pause, especially for hip surgery patients where infection risks are notably elevated. Cost considerations vary, while staples require special application and removal tools (increasing upfront expenses), the reduced OR time may offset these costs. Patient comfort presents another tradeoff, with staple removal often reported as more painful than suture removal.
Best Option For Your Surgical Incision? The decision ultimately depends on several factors (discuss & trust your surgeon):
- Location
- Procedure type (orthopedic vs. vascular)
- Patient characteristics (age, tissue quality)
- Cosmetic concerns (sutures typically produce thinner scars)
For optimal #woundhealing - surgical teams consider both clinical evidence and patient-specific factors when selecting closure methods. While staples offer speed and convenience, the potential healing/infection risk always deserves serious consideration.
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SHARE your experience with different wound closure methods? Noticed differences in healing or comfort? #surgicaltechniques

About Dr. Cory Calendine, MD #orthopedicsurgeon #jointreplacement
In the operating room, I get to perform more than 600 hip & knee replacement surgeries each year. From LIVE surgical demos to viral video highlights, together let's explore - react - discuss all things related to bone and joint health

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Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of my employer. Information in this video is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and/or treatment. All content [images, digital graphics, text, and other information] contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace or substitute for a consultation with a qualified physician or health professional.

[Anon-txy]

Sign me up for staples any day. They hurt less and I didn’t think it was painful when they were removed. Although they always put dermabond on the top of my sutures and I’m allergic to it so that might be why I don’t like sutures

[SadSlickAndSandy]

Glue and internal sutures are where it’s at 👌🏻

[KaughtyouLacking]

My cousin got shot in the abdomen when he was 19 and they made a huge incision from the top middle of his chest down to his waist and used a bunch of staples to close the incision it was very unpleasant to see. When I asked why they used staples the doctor told me that they needed to act fast and that staples were the fastest option.

[NickHammer]

I had sutures for both my cancer surgeries. One on my pubic area and then two on my neck. I don't really care what they do, just whatever they think is best LOL. Thankful for doctors that know what they're doing lol

[bearhearted]

I had staples on my back when I had back surgery and it wasn't that bad. It healed really quick.

[gabrielazampieri]

Bon idée bravo très rapidement bravo Docteur félicitations ❤❤

[miask]

My spine incision was at least ten inches long. It was closed with staples-after about a year you could barely see the scar. They can be painful, but it’s not awful. I prefer staples when possible. ❤

[jonathonburnett]

Clean the wound.

Bring the skin together

Use tape

Anchor the tape with tape strips on either side if necassary (under).

Wrap to prevent infection.

Tend to at least every 3 days. (Best if evry two but you can stretch to 3 if necassary)

And hold wrap in place with (you guessed it tape)

Look up gray bearded green beret if you dont believe me

[forcexminehq]

For my right anterior and lateral hip surgeries when I was an infant the surgeons did staples. Some five years later, at age 9, I needed durgeries to straighten my lower legs and had staples as well. In my experience, staples were slightly better. They still itch a lot

[nathanielgray]

Have had many of each and staples come out vary nice actually

[ivanscherette]

I've had a few staples put in my head because of an injury while young. Removal was a bit tender, but the nurse that removed mine was new and inexperienced. She ended up breaking the staple in my scalp.

[barbberg]

I like staples way more. And if done correctly, they do not hurt to take them out.

[Intraj]

I had staples down my entire spine after T2-L3 fusion. I didn’t even feel anything laying down, or when they were eventually taken out.

I’d say don’t be afraid if you haven’t tried it, because staples scared me until I had to.

[davidhenderson]

Years ago my mother had surgery and when she woke up she had Staples. I heard that she actually accused the doctor of stealing one of my staple guns. I had a collection of about 20 staple guns at the time.😂

[BernardVeldkamp]

Both of my knee replacements were closed with glue. No problems, no complaints.

[DEBH-id]

Had both and would take sutures anytime less scarring. But I understand that in some locations sutures would pull apart under pressure .

[Ratrazor]

I want one of these staplers because it could come in handy in survival situation.

[robert_costello]

I got a stapler because stitching paperwork together is much more difficult... but I think you mean in reference to suturing a wound. Yeah that would make more sense

[mmp]

Depends on who is putting them in. I got 9 in my head, and the doctor failed to approximate the wound. Staples for no reason. I removed them personally.

[Crimsoth]

If you got staples your nerves are damaged (temporarily), you will barely feel them being pulled out. It might sting or pinch a tiny bit, but it's nothing.