A Comparative Clinical Study of Skin Staples and Standard Suture for Closure of Abdominal Surgical Incisions

Objectives: Closure of abdominal surgical wounds plays a vital role in determining postoperative outcomes, including wound healing, infection rates, pain, cosmetic appearance, and patient satisfaction. While sutures have long been the standard, skin staples are gaining popularity due to their speed and ease of application. To compare the efficacy and outcomes of skin staples versus sutures in abdominal wound closure across various clinical and patient-centered parameters. Material and Methods: This comparative observational study included 108 cases undergoing abdominal surgeries, with 48 cases closed using staples and 60 with sutures. Variables analyzed included demographic details, comorbidities, incision characteristics, closure time, pain scores, complications, cosmetic outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Statistical tools such as Chi-square and t-tests were used for analysis, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: In the staple closure group, a significant reduction in closure time (7.17 ± 1.79 min vs. 13.93 ± 3.00 min; p = 0.000) was observed, lower postoperative pain on Day 1 and Day 3, and yielded better cosmetic outcomes (p = 0.003). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the staple group (p = 0.03). In terms of age, gender, comorbidities, type of surgery, type of incision, incision length, hospital stay, or rates of wound infection, seroma, hematoma, and skin gaping. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups. Conclusion: Skin staples and sutures are both safe and effective for abdominal wound closure. However, staples offer notable advantages in terms of faster closure, reduced early postoperative pain, improved scar cosmesis, and greater patient satisfaction. They can be considered a better alternative in suitable surgical settings.