Abstract

BACKGROUND: Skin closure is done with sutures. But if skin stapler is used for skin closure ,it produces better cosmetic results. A comparative study between conventional sutures and skin stapler for for wound closure in uncomplicated open inguinal hernia surgery was undertaken. The aim was to compare outcome of wound closure with conventional sutures versus skin stapler in terms of wound healing , post operative pain , wound closure time and cosmetic results.
METHODS: This was a prospective comparative study, conducted in 100 patients undergoing surgery for uncomplicated open inguinal hernia. In 50 patients , skin closure was done with sutures (ethilon 2,0) and in other 50 patients , skin closure was done with staplers. Data was collected for time required for skin closure , cosmetic outcome, post operative complication which was analysed using t test for comparison and chi square test for significance.
RESULTS: With skin stapler, there was better wound cosmesis , less post operative pain , less time required for skin closure compared to that of conventional sutures. Only the cost is slightly more of skin stapler compared to sutures.
CONCLUSION: It can be concluded from this study that skin stapler are superior method than sutures for skin closure.