Comparison between Sutures and Staplers - Which is Better for Laparotomy Wound Closure

Background: Wound closure biomaterials were of three types sutures, staplers/ ligating clips and tissue adhesives.The consensus of either suture or stapler is better for wound closure in case of laparotomy is yet to be arrived. Materials and Methods:This was a non randomised controlled trial done among the patients admitted for laparotomy in tertiary care hospital.50 patients were recruited into experimental group (wound closure with staples) and 50 recruited as controls (wound closure with sutures), after obtaining informed consent.After the surgery the investigator evaluated the study participants and recorded various variables like wound infection, wound dehiscence etc. Results: The time for wound closure was significantly lesser in the staples group than the suture group.Wound infection was present in 36% of cases in the staples group and in 74% of cases in the suture group.Good cosmetic appearance was present in 82% of the staples group and 54% of the sutures group Discomfort in suture removal was present only in 6% of the cases when staples were used against 96% when sutures were used.88% of the patients were satisfied in staples group against 38% in the control group.All the above mentioned variables were found to statistically significant.Conclusion: Staples were superior to sutures with respect to time for closure of the wound, occurrence of lesser complications namely lesser wound infections, better cosmesis, less discomfort during suture removal.All the above led to a satisfied patient.