surgical staple(s)

Introduction

Device used for post-operative closure of surgical incisions. Staples are generally removed after 21 days.

Notes

• surgeons should have a variety of staple sizes on hand appropriate size should be used for the type & thickness of tissue
• if the handle of the stapler doesn't squeeze easily, a different sized staple may be required
• do not rely on color to determine staple size companies may use different colors to denote different staple sizes
• for tissue that is edematous, friable, or necrotic, alternatives to staples should be considered

More general terms

• staple
• general surgery