A randomized clinical study comparing Trupler skin stapler and Trulon polyamide suture in post-surgical skin closure during orthopaedic and open abdominal surgeries

Abstract

Background: The increasing demand for accelerated rehabilitation and shorter hospital stays emphasizes the importance of effective post-surgical skin closure techniques. Orthopaedic and open abdominal surgeries commonly use metal staples or polyamide sutures for wound closure. Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a significant concern, impacting patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Methods: This prospective, randomized, single-centre trial aimed to compare clinical outcomes in 140 adult patients, randomized between Trupler skin stapler and Trulon polyamide sutures, undergoing orthopaedic and open abdominal surgeries. The primary endpoint was the incidence of SSI according to CDC criteria. Secondary outcomes included wound complications, post-operative pain, patient satisfaction, cosmetic appearance, time taken for closure, ease of use, and safety of the interventions. Results: The primary endpoint did not show any significant difference in the number of SSIs between the two groups. Both groups experienced wound complications, but the stapler group showed less severe outcomes. The stapler group demonstrated improved time efficiency and ease of closure, leading to reduced post-operative pain and higher patient satisfaction. Cosmetic outcomes were superior in the stapler group. Adverse events were reported in both groups, with a slightly higher incidence in the suture group. Conclusions: The Trupler skin stapler demonstrated advantages over Trulon polyamide sutures for wound closure. Despite similar SSI rates, the stapler group experienced improved time efficiency, lower post-operative pain, higher patient satisfaction, and superior cosmetic outcomes. The study supports the preference for Trupler skin stapler for wound closure in orthopaedic and open abdominal surgeries.