Surgical staples are a common method for closing surgical incisions, offering a fast and secure alternative to traditional sutures. Whether staples come out on their own depends entirely on the specific type used. Most external staples, visible on the skin, are made of durable metal and require professional removal. Internal staples are specialized, designed to be absorbed by the body over time, eliminating the need for manual removal. This difference dictates the required post-operative care.
The Difference Between Absorbable and Non-Absorbable Staples
Surgical staples are categorized into two main types based on their material and placement. Non-absorbable staples are typically used for skin closure and are composed of inert materials like stainless steel or titanium. These metal staples provide strong, temporary closure for the outer layers of the skin, holding the wound edges together until sufficient healing has occurred. They remain permanently in place unless a clinician manually removes them.
Absorbable staples are reserved for internal use, such as closing deep tissue layers, internal incisions, or connecting sections of the bowel or lungs. These staples are made of synthetic polymers, similar to absorbable sutures. The body breaks down these polymer materials, such as polyglycolic acid, through hydrolysis, a controlled chemical process where water slowly degrades the material. This gradual absorption provides necessary tissue support during the early healing phase before dissolving completely.
Standard Procedures for Surgical Staple Removal
External, non-absorbable staples must be professionally removed once the wound has gained sufficient strength. Removal is typically scheduled between 7 and 14 days after surgery. The exact timeline is influenced by factors like the wound’s location, the patient’s overall health, and blood circulation; staples on the face, for example, may be removed sooner than those on a joint.
The removal procedure is straightforward and performed in a sterile clinical setting. A specialized tool called a staple extractor is used to bend the center of the staple upward, releasing the prongs from the skin without pulling them through the tissue. The process is quick and causes minimal discomfort, though patients may feel a slight tugging or pinching sensation. After removal, the incision site is often supported with adhesive strips, such as Steri-Strips, for additional support.
Potential Complications of Retained Staples
Leaving non-absorbable skin staples in place past the recommended removal window carries several risks to the healing wound. The staple site can become a pathway for bacteria, increasing the chance of a localized infection. Studies suggest that prolonged retention of staples beyond the guidelines can significantly increase this risk.
If staples are left too long, the healing tissue may grow around and into the metal, a process known as tissue embedding. This can make subsequent removal more difficult and potentially cause the wound to reopen or bleed. Retained staples can also contribute to less favorable cosmetic outcomes, potentially leading to increased scarring or the formation of keloids as the body reacts to the foreign material. Attempting to remove the staples at home without the correct sterile tools and technique can lead to complications, including incomplete removal, trauma to the wound, and infection.