Why did my surgeon use staples instead of stitches? A guide to wound closure decisions

September 23, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 30 million surgical procedures are performed annually in the U.S., with each one requiring a specific method of wound closure. Understanding why did my surgeon use staples instead of stitches is based on the professional evaluation of several critical factors that influence healing and cosmetic outcome.

Quick Summary

The decision to use staples over stitches is based on several factors, including the type and location of the incision, the speed required for closure, and the amount of tension on the wound edges. Staples are often favored for their speed and strength in certain situations, while stitches allow for more precise control in others.

Key Points

Speed and Efficiency: Staples are significantly faster to apply than stitches, making them ideal for large incisions or emergency surgeries where time is critical.
Strength and Security: Staples provide a strong, reliable closure, especially in high-tension areas like the scalp or abdomen where wound edges are under strain.
Location, Location, Location: The area of the body is a major factor; staples are common on the torso and limbs, while stitches offer better precision for facial or delicate procedures.
Patient Factors: The surgeon considers your skin type, overall health, and healing potential before deciding on the best closure method for your specific case.
Cosmetic Outcome: While staples can leave small marks, modern techniques often minimize this. Stitches are generally preferred for superior cosmetic results in visible areas.
Removal Process: Staples are removed quickly and easily with a special tool, whereas non-dissolvable stitches are removed individually and may take longer.
Combined Approach: It's common to use a combination of techniques, such as internal dissolvable sutures for deep tissue and external staples for the skin layer.

Understanding the surgeon's choice

When closing a wound, a surgeon's primary goals are to facilitate optimal healing, minimize the risk of infection, and achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome. To make this choice, they consider a range of variables, including the nature of the surgery, the location of the incision, and the characteristics of the patient's tissue. Both staples and stitches have distinct advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on a careful risk-benefit assessment for each unique case.

Factors influencing the decision

Several key factors determine whether a surgeon will opt for staples or sutures for a specific wound closure. It is not an arbitrary choice but a calculated medical decision.

Incision size and complexity

Large or long incisions: For large, straight incisions, such as those made during a C-section or abdominal surgery, staples offer a significant time-saving benefit.
Complex wounds: On the other hand, complex, irregular, or small incisions, particularly on delicate areas like the face or hands, are typically closed with sutures, which allow for a more precise and intricate closure.

Location and tension

High-tension areas: Staples provide strong, secure wound closure for areas with high tension, like the scalp, abdomen, or after a joint replacement.
Low-tension areas: Areas with less tension, or where a better cosmetic outcome is desired, are more often closed with sutures to achieve fine-tuned tissue approximation.

Speed and efficiency in the operating room

Emergency procedures: In trauma or emergency surgery, where time is a critical factor, staples allow for rapid wound closure, minimizing the patient's time under anesthesia and reducing blood loss.
Non-emergency: For scheduled, elective surgeries where timing is less of an issue, a surgeon may take the extra time required for suturing to ensure optimal precision.

Risk of infection

While studies are not conclusive and vary by procedure, some research suggests a potential difference in infection rates. For some orthopedic procedures, staples may be associated with a slightly higher risk of superficial wound infection. Proper technique is crucial for both methods to minimize risk.

Patient-specific considerations

Skin characteristics: A patient's skin elasticity, thickness, and underlying health conditions (like diabetes, which can affect healing) can influence the choice of closure.
Tissue reaction: Some individuals may have a minimal tissue reaction to the metal in surgical staples, which can be an advantage, while sutures can sometimes cause more inflammatory response.

Comparing staples and stitches


Feature	Staples	Stitches (Sutures)
Application Speed	Very fast; efficient for long incisions.	Slower; requires more manual technique and time.
Holding Strength	Strong and robust, ideal for high-tension areas.	Variable, depends on suture type and technique.
Precision	Less precise; can lead to slight unevenness.	Very precise; allows for delicate tissue alignment.
Scarring	Can sometimes leave small "railroad track" marks, though often minimal.	Generally results in a finer, less noticeable scar.
Removal	Requires a special tool; typically easy and quick.	Requires scissors; can be a longer process.
Tissue Reaction	Minimal reaction to stainless steel or titanium.	Can cause some tissue inflammation, depending on material.

The role of internal staples and sutures

It's important to remember that not all wound closure is visible on the surface. In complex surgeries, especially those involving the internal organs or a significant amount of tissue, surgeons may use a combination of techniques.

Internal Staples: These may be used to reconnect parts of the digestive system or to seal off blood vessels. Many internal staples are made from special materials that are absorbed by the body over time.
Internal Sutures: Absorbable sutures are also frequently used to close layers of tissue beneath the skin's surface. These dissolve naturally as the wound heals, providing internal support.

What to expect with surgical staples

For most patients, surgical staples are in place for 7 to 14 days, though the exact timeline depends on the surgery location and type. Proper care is crucial during this period to prevent infection. Patients should keep the incision site clean and dry as instructed by their doctor and watch for any signs of complications. Removal is generally a quick and relatively painless process performed by a healthcare professional. The staples are gently lifted and removed with a special tool.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice to use staples or stitches is a nuanced decision made by a skilled surgeon based on the specific requirements of the operation and the patient's individual needs. Your surgeon's decision was likely based on considerations of speed, strength, wound location, and your body's specific tissue characteristics. It's a testament to the fact that modern medicine offers a versatile toolkit for wound closure, allowing for the best possible outcome for every patient. If you have concerns about your wound or healing process, it is always best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

For more information on surgical procedures and patient care, consider visiting a reputable medical information source such as MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, surgical staples generally provide a stronger and more secure closure than standard stitches, particularly in areas with high tension like the scalp or abdomen. Their design helps distribute tension evenly across the incision line.

The pain level varies by patient, but many report that the initial feeling of staples is less uncomfortable than the needle punctures for stitches. During removal, some find staples slightly more uncomfortable, but the process is very fast.

Surgical staples typically remain in place for 7 to 14 days, depending on the location of the incision and how quickly the wound is healing. Your surgeon will provide a specific timeline for removal.

Surgical staples are made from medical-grade materials like stainless steel or titanium, which rarely cause allergic reactions. If you have a known metal allergy, inform your surgeon, who can choose an alternative material.

Surgical staples can sometimes leave small, visible marks that resemble 'railroad tracks' along the incision line. These marks often fade over time and, in some cases, the cosmetic outcome can be comparable to that of sutures, especially on less visible parts of the body.

Staples are very common for scalp incisions because they are quick to apply and provide a strong hold in an area with high movement and tension. They are also less affected by hair than sutures, and the cosmetic outcome is less of a concern since hair will cover the scar.

Follow your surgeon's specific instructions for wound care. Typically, you will need to keep the area clean and dry for the first 24-48 hours. After that, you may be able to gently wash the area with soap and water. Avoid picking at the staples and report any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus, immediately.