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Staples equal sutures for skin closure after soft tissue tumor resection
David C Moore1, Meredith H Sellers, Kristin R Archer
1Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|August 21, 2012
Summary
Sutures and staples show no difference in wound complication rates for sarcoma surgery. Staples close wounds faster, potentially offsetting material costs without compromising patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Surgical oncology
- Wound healing research
- Biomaterials in surgery
Background:
- Wound closure is a significant part of surgical time.
- Prolonged closure times and infections increase medical costs and patient morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare biologic/treatment factors versus suture/staple choice in wound healing.
- To assess the impact of closure time on cost for suture versus staple use in musculoskeletal tumor patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 511 sarcoma resection patients (2003-2010).
- Analysis of wound complications, demographics, and comorbidities.
- Prospective timed analysis of suture versus staple wound closure.
Main Results:
- Obesity and radiation therapy were associated with wound complications.
- Staple closure averaged 5.3 minutes faster than suture closure.
- Staple use saved 2.1% of total operating time.
Conclusions:
- No significant difference in wound complications between sutures and staples.
- Obesity and radiation impact wound healing outcomes.
- Time saved with staples may offset costs without compromising wound care.
