COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN SKIN SUTURE VERSUS SKIN STAPLER IN ABDOMINAL SURGERY

Abstract

Background: An important part of the abdominal operation is closure of the wound. Whether to use skin sutures or skin staplers is still a matter of controversy. In this study, we reviewed the basic data performed at M H Lahore to evaluate these procedures. Objectives: To compare the operative time, wound infection rate (SSI), cosmetic result (SBSE score), pain on removal, and cost between conventional sutures and skin staplers. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted on 84 patients undergoing abdominal surgery at Lahore General Hospital. Patients were allocated to the Suture group (n=42) or Stapler group (n=42). Data were analyzed using SPSS, with chi-square and t-tests (p < 0.05 considered significant). Results: The Stapler group had significantly faster skin closure times (p < 0.001). Cosmetic outcomes were markedly superior in the Stapler group, with 78.6% achieving a good SBSE score compared to only 45.2% in the Suture group (p = 0.003). Patients in the Suture group also reported significantly less pain during removal (73.8% had low pain scores) compared to the Stapler group (42.9%; p = 0.008). Surgical site infection rates were high in both groups, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Skin staplers significantly reduce operative time and provide vastly superior cosmetic results. However, contrary to some literature, this study found that suture removal is significantly less painful than staple removal. Surgeons should weigh these trade-offs — prioritizing staplers for cosmesis and time, and sutures for patient comfort during removal.