How Long Do Surgical Staples Stay In?

Surgical staples, tissue adhesives, surgical tape and sutures are widely used methods to close surgical wounds or trauma injuries 2. More commonly used with larger, deeper wounds, surgical staples are faster to apply than sutures -- or stitches, and associated with fewer wound infections, according to a September 2011 report in "The American Surgeon." While internally used staples are designed to stay in the body, external stitches are removed after the incision is healed.

Staple Use

Surgical staples are typically made of stainless steel or titanium, and come in many different sizes and lengths. They can be curved, circular or strait, and can be thin and flexible -- but strong. Internal staples, which are typically titanium-based, are used during surgery to clamp blood vessels, connect internal tissues or reconstruct organs. Surgical staples are also used externally to close large, deep trauma wounds or surgical incisions, and are commonly used for scalp lacerations or to close the surgical cuts from orthopedic surgery.

Staple Removal

Types of Surgical Staples Used Internally

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Surgical staples are ready to be removed when the sewn tissue has healed well enough that the staples are no longer needed. Also, it's important that no drainage is noticed, and there are no signs of infection. The removal procedure requires specialized equipment and skill, and needs to be completed by a healthcare professional in a sterile environment, such as a hospital or medical clinic. Staples are usually removed 7 to 14 days after they are placed, but this length of time depends on the healing rate, as well as the size and depth of the wound. Your doctor may err on the side of caution, and keep your staples in longer if there is any concern that the wound is not healed enough to remove this support.

Warnings

The decision on when to remove the staples is an important one, as removing them too early can cause the wound to reopen, and increase the risk of infection. Follow care instructions provided by your doctor, which will include guidance on bathing and caring for your wound area. Don't try to remove the staples yourself, as this can risk infection, additional scarring -- and can be painful. If you have recently had sutures or staples placed, and have a fever, redness, pain or an unpleasant smell or pus coming from the wound area, see your doctor right away. Also, if you have any questions about the removal of your surgical staples, ask your doctor.

Reviewed by Kay Peck, MPH RD