Internal surgical staples are an alternative to traditional sutures, used to close incisions or reconnect tissues deep within the body. While some discomfort is expected after surgery, many wonder if the staples themselves can cause ongoing pain. This article explores internal surgical staples and when they might contribute to post-operative discomfort.
Understanding Internal Surgical Staples
Internal surgical staples are medical devices applied with a surgical stapler to hold tissues together after surgery. They are distinct from skin staples, designed to remain within the body either permanently or until they dissolve.
Internal staples are made from various materials, including titanium or stainless steel. Some are absorbable polymers, which dissolve as the body heals. Non-absorbable staples are preferred for internal surgeries due to their strength, flexibility, and minimal tissue reaction.
Internal staples come in various forms, including linear, curved, and circular configurations. They are used in procedures involving organs like the bowels, stomach, or lungs, where they can resect, transect, or anastomose tissues. Staples offer advantages such as faster wound closure and strong tissue approximation.
When Staples Might Cause Pain
While internal surgical staples are well-tolerated, they can contribute to post-operative pain through several mechanisms. Any foreign object, including a surgical staple, can trigger a localized inflammatory response. This reaction can lead to swelling and discomfort around the staple site.
A staple’s placement might irritate or compress a nearby nerve. Though uncommon, this can lead to tingling, numbness, or localized pain. In rare cases, an allergic reaction to the staple material can occur. These reactions can cause pain, swelling, or itching around the implant site.
Infections around the staple line, while not directly caused by the staple material, can cause pain. Bacteria can enter the surgical site, causing an infection with increased pain, redness, warmth, and swelling. Less common issues like staple malfunction, misfiring, or incomplete formation can result in improper tissue closure, leading to complications such as leaks or organ damage.
Distinguishing Staple-Related Pain from Normal Post-Surgical Discomfort
Experiencing pain after surgery is a normal part of the healing process. This acute post-surgical pain typically occurs at the incision site and gradually improves over days or weeks as tissues mend. This discomfort is responsive to prescribed pain medication and diminishes as the body recovers.
Pain related to internal surgical staples differs. It may be sharp, burning, or persistent, localized at the staple site. Unlike normal post-operative pain that lessens over time, staple-related pain might worsen, change in character, or persist for months beyond the expected healing period. Symptoms like localized swelling, unusual redness, or warmth could also suggest a complication.
What to Do If You Suspect Staple-Related Pain
If you experience persistent, worsening, or unusual pain related to internal surgical staples, contact your healthcare provider or surgeon. Do not self-diagnose or manage pain without medical guidance. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of your discomfort.
Diagnosis may involve a physical assessment and imaging studies to visualize staples and surrounding tissues. While imaging can confirm staple presence and position, soft tissue irritation or nerve impingement may not be visible. Management varies by cause. This may include pain medication adjustments, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other therapies. In rare, severe cases where staples are identified as the cause of ongoing pain and other treatments fail, surgical intervention to remove or revise the staples might be considered.