Staples for stitches

A clinician may choose staples for a straight wound, including some scalp or limb wounds, when quick closure and secure edge alignment are useful. Staples sit across the skin rather than through it like Surgical Sutures. Local anaesthetic such as Lidocaine Local Anaesthetic may be used before cleaning and closing a painful wound.

Staples do not replace careful assessment. The wound may need cleaning, removal of foreign material, bleeding control and review of tendon, nerve or deeper tissue injury before closure.

Follow the written instructions from the treating team. Keep the dressing clean and dry as advised, avoid picking at scabs or pulling the staples, and protect the area from knocks. Wound Care and Dressing guidance can help with dressing changes.

Do not remove staples yourself. Arrange the planned removal visit, because leaving them in too long can make removal harder or leave more visible marks. Ask whether a Tetanus Vaccination is needed after an open or dirty injury.

Seek prompt care for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain, pus, wound separation, fever, numbness or reduced movement. Get emergency help for uncontrolled bleeding, loss of function, severe swelling, or a head injury with confusion or repeated vomiting.

Ask why staples suit this wound, how to wash and cover it, when removal is planned, which activities to avoid, and which changes suggest infection. Tell the clinician if the wound becomes wet, opens, catches on clothing, or causes new numbness.