Comparison of Skin Staples Versus Skin Sutures in Mesh Repair for Abdominal Wall Hernias in Terms of Outcome of Wound

Caroline Rojer; Linto John; Vishnuprasad CV; Boney Rajan

doi:10.55489/njmr.160320261301

Authors

Caroline Rojer Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Linto John Department of General Surgery, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Vishnuprasad CV Department of General Surgery, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Boney Rajan Department of Pharmacology, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njmr.160320261301

Keywords:

Abdominal Wall Hernia, Skin Closure, Sutures, Staples, Surgical Site Infection

Abstract

Background: Mesh based repair is widely performed in abdominal wall hernias to reduce recurrence. The final stage of surgery-skin closure-plays a crucial role influencing postoperative pain, surgical site infection (SSI), and cosmetic outcomes. Sutures are traditionally preferred for better tissue approximation and cosmesis, whereas staples offer faster application and reduced operative time. However, comparative evidence regarding their effectiveness in hernia repair remains limited.

Methodology: This prospective cohort study was carried out at a tertiary care facility over the course of a year from November 2024 to October 2025. Based on the closure method 124 patients undergoing elective abdominal wall hernia repair were divided into two groups: suture (n=62), and staple (n=62). The numeric rating scale was used to measure postoperative pain at 24hours. Using CDC criteria, SSI was assessed on postoperative days 3 and 7. The POSAS patient scale was used to evaluate cosmetic results at 6 months.

Results: The suture and staple groups had similar postoperative pain levels. There was no statistically significant difference between 4.8% of patients in the suture group and none in the staple group who experienced SSI. In both groups, the cosmetic results were consistently rated as good. The staples were linked to a substantial reduction in operating time but an increase in material costs.

Conclusion: Staples and sutures appear to provide similar outcomes in terms of postoperative pain, SSI, and cosmetic results. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously given the study limitations. The choice of closure method may be guided by operative efficiency, cost, and clinical context.

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