Comparative Study on Sutures vs Staples for Skin Closure in a Patient Undergoing Thyroidectomy

Background: Thyroidectomy is a commonly performed surgical procedure and appropriate skin closure technique plays a crucial role in postoperative recovery, cosmetic outcomes, and patient comfort. Sutures and staples are widely used for skin closure however their comparative effectiveness remains debated. Objective: To compare postoperative outcomes of sutures versus staples for skin closure following thyroidectomy in terms of pain intensity, wound complications, patient comfort, and cosmetic appearance. Methodology: This prospective observational study was conducted at Shalamar Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 101 patients undergoing thyroidectomy were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the skin closure technique used: sutures (n=53) and staples (n=48). Postoperative pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while wound outcomes were evaluated using the Modified Southampton Wound Scoring System. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Staples demonstrated better wound appearance and lower rates of inflammation and serous discharge compared to sutures. However, patients in the staple group experienced significantly higher postoperative pain scores (p=0.016). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding seroma formation, drain comfort, or ICU stay. Conclusion: Staples provide superior cosmetic outcomes and reduced wound complications but are associated with increased postoperative pain, which can be effectively managed with analgesics. Selection of skin closure techniques should be individualized based on patient needs and surgeon preference. Keywords: Thyroidectomy; Sutures; Staples