Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026
An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function
Published on: April 17, 2020
Prospective study using skin staplers in head and neck surgery
L R dos Santos1, C A Freitas, F C Hojaij
1Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital das Clinicas, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Brazil.
Background:
A prospective trial was undertaken to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of stapled skin closure versus conventional nylon sutures in head and neck surgery.
Patients And Methods:
The study included 20 consecutive patients who underwent extensive surgery in which their skin was closed with staples. Another group of 20 matched patients receiving a noncontinuous nylon suture closure was followed in parallel.
Results:
The complications recorded occurred in 5 patients in the stapled group and 3 in the sutured group. Analysis of cosmetic results showed 16 patients (80%) in the stapled group with good wound appearance and 17 (85%) in the sutured group. The mean closure time was 5 minutes for the stapled group and 25 minutes for the sutured group. Cost was $19.75 for conventional closure and $22.00 for mechanical suture.
Conclusion:
The use of skin staples speeds up closure time by 80%, yields similar cosmetic results with no increase in complications, although at a slightly higher cost.
Insights
Skin staples offer faster wound closure in head and neck surgery compared to nylon sutures, with comparable cosmetic outcomes and complication rates. This method significantly reduces closure time, making it an efficient alternative.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Wound Management
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Investigating the efficacy of skin staples versus traditional nylon sutures for skin closure in head and neck surgical procedures.
- Assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each closure method in a prospective trial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the outcomes of stapled skin closure with conventional nylon sutures in head and neck surgery.
- To evaluate differences in closure time, cosmetic results, complications, and cost.
Main Methods:
- A prospective trial involving 20 patients undergoing extensive head and neck surgery with skin staples.
- A parallel control group of 20 matched patients with noncontinuous nylon suture closure.
- Follow-up to record complications, assess cosmetic results, and measure closure time and cost.
Main Results:
- Stapled closure averaged 5 minutes, a 80% reduction compared to 25 minutes for sutures.
- Good cosmetic results were observed in 80% of the stapled group and 85% of the sutured group.
- Complications occurred in 5 patients (stapled) and 3 patients (sutured); costs were comparable.
Conclusions:
- Skin staples significantly expedite wound closure in head and neck surgery.
- Stapled closure provides comparable cosmetic results and complication rates to nylon sutures.
- While slightly more expensive, skin staples offer substantial time savings for surgical procedures.
More Related Videos
07:57An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
09:14Surgical Approach to Full Soft Tissue Face Allograft Procurement for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation
Published on: December 30, 2025