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.