Surgical Fasteners: Functions, Risks, and Extraction Procedures
In the realm of surgical procedures, one tool that has become a common sight is the surgical staple. While these devices are widely used for efficient wound closure, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks they carry.
Surgical staples, whether straight, curved, or circular, can lead to a series of complications if not used correctly. Internal organs and tissues may be torn due to misplacement or malfunction, causing bleeding during or after surgery. In severe cases, this can escalate to life-threatening conditions such as sepsis, a body-wide infection [1][2][5].
Additional risks include the formation of abnormal connections between organs or vessels (fistulas) [1], delayed or improper wound healing [4], and the need for additional surgeries due to complications like staple failure or tissue damage [1][2]. Chronic pain or nerve damage can occur from damage to small nerves during staple placement or removal [3].
Moreover, some patients may experience complications due to the body rejecting staples or mechanical problems like misplacement, breakage, or staples becoming embedded, making removal difficult [4][5]. Rare but serious risks include an increased chance of cancer relapse (in cancer surgeries) and death, especially in case of severe complications such as sepsis or major internal bleeding [1][2].
These risks can be heightened by device defects, improper use, or faulty staple design. Notably, recalls of surgical staplers by manufacturers like Medtronic and Ethicon have highlighted issues such as staple malfunctions leading to severe complications [1][2].
To minimise these risks, proper surgical technique, adherence to removal timing, sterile conditions, and careful monitoring are essential [4]. When complications occur, prompt medical attention is critical.
Despite these risks, surgical staples offer several benefits. They are quick and easy to place, have minimal tissue reaction, a low risk of infection, and provide strong wound closure [6]. They can remove tension from the skin edge and apply suitable pressure to manage bleeding, making them sometimes preferable over sutures [7].
Factors affecting how long staples remain in the body include the size of the incision, the direction of the incision, the type of surgery, the severity of the incision or wound, the area of the body where the staples are present, and how quickly the wound heals [8].
In conclusion, while surgical staples carry risks such as tissue injury, bleeding, infection, and the potential need for additional surgeries [1][2][4], they also offer benefits like quick and efficient wound closure. Proper use, adherence to removal timing, and careful monitoring are crucial in ensuring a successful surgical outcome.
In the context of health and wellness, complications arising from accidental falls or medical conditions might necessitate surgical interventions that involve the use of surgical staples. Misplacement or malfunction of these staples during therapies and treatments can lead to medical-conditions such asinternal organ injuries, delayed wound healing, fistula formation, and even rare but serious risks like cancer relapse or death [1][2]. Therefore, adherence to proper surgical techniques, timely staple removal, and rigorous post-operative monitoring are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure better health-and-wellness outcomes.
