Medical staples, popular as surgical staples, are specialised devices used in medical procedures instead of sutures. They close internal and external wounds and connect or remove the bowel or lung parts. Using staples over sutures reduces the local inflammatory response, the time taken by the wound to close, and its width.
These, like office staples, work with a stapler, compress the tissues, and connect them with surgical staples. The design includes a linear and circular stapler. In some models, they cut away the excess tissue to make a clean closure of the surgical wound. Here is a brief on the types:
Linear
To close a wound, the surgeon uses the handles at one end of the linear stapler for closing the jaws over the tissue at the other end. The staple rows compress the tissue together, while the blade cuts them in between. The surgeon seals the open wound to reduce bleeding and connects the tissue while removing an organ or during minimally invasive surgeries.
Metal
Typically, surgeons use stainless steel in skin stapling and clips. However, titanium is a preference for internal surgeries because it is flexible, strong, and lightweight. The metal is less likely to trigger a reaction from your immune system, causing infection or inflammation and easily adheres to bone and tissue.
Plastic
Doctors also use plastic staples if the patient is allergic to metals. Polylactide-polyglycolide copolymer is a biologically absorbable polymer. The body can absorb this material, making it ideal for plastic surgery, while the staples are less likely to leave a noticeable scar after healing.
Circular
These are useful for surgeries performed on the digestive tract running from the throat to the colon. They fire two staggered staple rows from a circular cartridge. The circular layout enables the stapler to connect both sections of the intestine after removing a portion. The staples cause the tissue to form rings or doughnuts between them. A built-in blade slices off the overlaying tissue and seals the new connection.
Benefits
Medical staplers are easy to use, although further training may be required, thanks to technological innovations. Staples are relatively easier to remove than stitches as they allow the wound to close rapidly. The procedure is approximately four times faster than suturing. You experience lesser inflammation and lower infection risk. When choosing stitches over staples and vice versa, people’s attitudes are shifting.
For example, surgeons prefer using a circular stapler after a caesarean section as it is quick and easy. Staples are ideal for patients with a greater risk of complications, such as diabetes or ailments requiring repeated surgeries.
Final words
Whichever method the surgeon uses, you experience some scarring with deep lacerations. Staples and stitches give comparable cosmetic results and should not be a factor in deciding which one to choose. However, medical professionals opt for them based on their personal experience, skill level, and preference.