From the Guidelines
Staples should typically remain in place for approximately 14 days before removal, as wound closure is typically reached by this time, according to the 2017 American College of Rheumatology guideline 1. The recommended duration for staple retention prior to removal varies based on the location and type of wound.
- Facial staples are usually removed earlier, around 3 to 5 days,
- while staples in high-tension areas like joints or the lower extremities may need to remain for up to 21 days. The removal timeframe depends on several factors including the wound's location, size, depth, and the patient's overall health status and healing capacity. Proper wound healing requires sufficient time for collagen deposition and tissue regeneration to create a strong scar. Removing staples too early risks wound dehiscence (reopening), while leaving them too long increases scarring and infection risk. As stated in the guideline, biologic therapy can be restarted once the wound shows evidence of healing (typically ~14 days), all sutures/staples are out, there is no significant swelling, erythema, or drainage, and there is no clinical evidence of non–surgical site infections 1. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions, as they will determine the optimal removal time based on your individual wound assessment. After staple removal, the wound may benefit from adhesive strips for additional support during the final healing stages. It's essential to prioritize wound healing and minimize the risk of complications, as supported by the guideline 1.
From the Research
Recommended Duration for Staple Retention
There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support a specific recommended duration for staple retention prior to removal.
Related Information on Staples
- The study 2 compared the clinical outcomes of staples versus sutures in wound closure after orthopaedic surgery and found that the risk of developing a superficial wound infection after orthopaedic procedures was over three times greater after staple closure than suture closure.
- The study 3 discussed the development of metal and absorbable skin staples and provided technical considerations for their use, but did not mention the recommended duration for staple retention.
General Information on Wound Closure
- The study 4 investigated the use of antiseptics and antibiotics for surgical wounds healing by secondary intention, but did not provide information on staple retention.
- The study 5 examined the effect of preoperative hair removal on surgical site infection, but did not address staple retention.
- The study 6 discussed the use of prophylactic antibiotics in surgery, but did not provide information on staple retention.
Key Points
- There is no direct evidence to support a specific recommended duration for staple retention prior to removal.
- Staples may be associated with a higher risk of superficial wound infection compared to sutures in orthopaedic surgery 2.
- The choice of staple material and design may affect wound closure outcomes 3.