Types of staples used in surgery

Skin staples are metal clips placed across an incision or suitable wound to hold the edges together. They are often removed by a clinician after the skin has had time to strengthen. Internal staples can be part of a stapling device used to join sections of tissue or seal a structure during an operation; these may remain in the body when designed for internal use.

Staples are selected for access, tissue thickness, tension, bleeding control, and the surgeon's technique. They are not interchangeable with stitches in every situation. A wound may also need dressings, protective care, or another closure method.

Keep the area clean and follow the discharge instructions about bathing, dressing changes, movement, and lifting. Do not pull, twist, or try to remove a staple yourself. Avoid applying creams, powders, or antiseptics unless the treating team recommends them.

Check the wound as instructed for separation, increasing tenderness, warmth, swelling, drainage, or a change in appearance. Attend the planned removal visit if skin staples were used. Guidance on Wound Care and Dressing can help you protect the area between appointments.

Contact the surgical team promptly if the wound opens, bleeds repeatedly, develops pus, or becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen, or painful. Fever or feeling unusually unwell also warrants medical advice.

Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure, severe pain with rapid swelling, fainting, or new breathing difficulty. Ask whether Tetanus Vaccination is relevant after an injury rather than assuming a staple closure protects against infection.

Ask what kind of staples were used, whether any are internal, how long skin staples should remain, and which activities or dressing changes to avoid. You can also ask how staples compare with Surgical Sutures and whether Wound Suturing is needed for another injury.