Repairing lacerations in children. Suture, staple or secure?

The challenges of pediatric laceration repair include the probability of an uncooperative participant, tense or frantic parents and a busy setting. Linear lacerations of the scalp, trunk and extremities are excellent sites for staples. Stapling may be less traumatic because it is generally quicker than suturing. Suture repair is necessary for lacerations of the face, over joints, on the hands and feet, and other areas that impede the use of a stapling device. The most common methods of anesthesia for laceration repair include topical agents, direct infiltration and blocks. All wounds that are deep, dirty or may contain a foreign body should be locally cleansed with antimicrobial agents and irrigated vigorously.