Prospective study using skin staplers in head and neck surgery.

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.