Comparison of Cosmetic Outcome and Patient Satisfaction Between Staples and Suture Technique for Wound Closure Following Upper Limb Surgeries

Summary

Surgical wound closure is an essential component of postoperative care that influences wound healing, infection rates, cosmetic appearance, and patient satisfaction. Sutures are conventionally used for skin closure following orthopedic procedures; however, surgical staples have gained popularity because of their rapid application, secure fixation, and potentially superior cosmetic outcomes. Despite their widespread use, there remains limited evidence comparing cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction between staple and suture techniques in upper limb surgeries in the local setting.

This study aims to compare the cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction between staples and sutures for wound closure following upper limb surgeries at Dhulikhel Hospital. Secondary objectives include comparing wound infection rates and duration of hospital stay between the two techniques.

A prospective comparative study is conducted among adult patients undergoing upper limb surgeries. Patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria are recruited consecutively during the study period. Following completion of surgery, wound closure is performed either with interrupted sutures or surgical staples according to the operative plan. Wounds are to be evaluated on postoperative day 2, day 7, and day 14, with further follow-up at 30 days and 6 weeks.

Cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction are assessed using a 5-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Pain assessment, wound complications including infection, and duration of hospital stay are also documented and compared between the two groups. The findings of this study can help identify the optimal skin closure method for upper limb surgeries and contribute to improved postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction.

HYPOTHESES OF THE STUDY Null hypothesis (Ho): there is no difference in cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction between sutures and staple technique for wound closure following upper limb surgeries.

Alternative hypothesis (H1): there is difference in cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction between sutures and staple technique for wound closure following upper limb surgeries

Hence, Ho : (Cosmetic and Patient satisfaction score) in Suture group = Cosmetic and Patient satisfaction score) in Staples group H1 : (Cosmetic and Patient satisfaction score) in Suture group ≠ (Cosmetic and Patient satisfaction score) in Staples group

Conditions

• Wound Closure Technique
• Wound Dehiscence, Surgical

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Staples

Following completion of the upper limb surgical procedure, skin closure is performed using sterile surgical skin staples under aseptic precautions.

PROCEDURE

Sutures

Following completion of the upper limb surgical procedure, skin closure is performed using interrupted non-absorbable skin sutures under aseptic precautions. Skin closure is mattress as it allows for inversion or eversion of the repaired tissue, greater repair strength, and provides a greater area of soft tissue apposition to bone.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-11-01

Primary Completion

2024-05-30

Completion

2024-05-30

Countries

• Nepal

Study Locations