Professional Documents
Culture Documents
WOUND CARE
DRESSINGS
REMOVAL OF STAPLES
NOTE: SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MEDICAL OFFICER MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE
REMOVING STAPLES.
The evidence suggests that staples may have a differential effect depending on the type of incision,
vertical or Pfannenstiel. There is still insufficient evidence to determine whether day of staple removal
1
impacts on wound separation .
CONSIDERATIONS
Factors which may delay wound healing, and should therefore be considered prior to the removal of
sutures include:
Diseases, disorders and syndromes, e.g. anaemia, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, previous
surgery in same areas using same suture line
Drugs:- e.g. alcohol, nicotine, steroids, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic medication
Poor nutritional state:- anaemia, malnutrition, mineral, protein and/or vitamin deficiency
Microenvironment of wound:- e.g. blood supply, humidity, infections
2
Other factors:- obesity, site of wound, dehydration, age .
EQUIPMENT
Trolley
Sterile Dressing pack
Sterile staple remover
Optional equipment e.g. normal saline, steri-strips, gauze
* Removal of Michel Clips as for staples will require the Michel Clip Remover.
PROCEDURE
1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
DPMS
Ref: 7521
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All guidelines should be read in conjunction with the Disclaimer at the beginning of this manual
Page 1 of 3
PROCEDURE
1.6
1.7
2
2.1
3
3.1
4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
5
5.1
Prepare equipment
If a dressing is in place, remove it,
perform hand hygiene and replace gloves
Assessing the suture line
4
Observations should include :
Determination of healing and
approximation of wound edges
Signs of infection
Cleansing of the wound
Consider cleaning the wound with normal
saline only to remove debris or dry exudate
which may cause skin trauma and patient
discomfort during staple removal.
Removal of staples
Place the drape from the dressing pack
between the wound and the operator.
Remove alternative staples first even if all
3
staples are ordered to be removed.
Removal of Staples
Clinical Guidelines Obstetrics & Gynaecology
DPMS Ref: 7521
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All guidelines should be read in conjunction with the Disclaimer at the beginning of this manual
Page 2 of 3
REFERENCES / STANDARDS
1.
Mackeen. A.d., Berghella.V., Larsen.M.L. Techniques and materials for skin closure in caesarean section (Review).
The Cochrane Review,. 2012(11).
2.
Dougherty.L., Lister.S., editors. The Royal Marsden Hospital manual of clinical nursing procedures. 8th ed. West
Sussex- UK: Wiley-Blackwell; 2011.
3.
Pullen RL. Clinical Do's & Don'ts Removing sutures and staples. Nursing 2003;33(10):18.
4.
Bouska Altman G. Removing Skin Sutures and Staples. In: Bouska Altman G, editor. Delmar's Fundermental &
Advanced Nursing Skills. 2nd ed. New York2004.
5.
Nicol M, Bavin C, Bedford-Turner S, et al. Wound Assessment: Removal of skin closures. Nursing Standard.
2001;16(8).
National Standards 1- Care provided by the clinical workforce is guided by current best practice
3- Prevention of Healthcare associated infection
Legislation - Nil
Related Policies - Nil
Other related documents Nil
RESPONSIBILITY
OGCCU
Director of Nursing and Midwifery
Policy Sponsor
September 2009
Initial Endorsement
September 2014
Last Reviewed
Last Amended
September 2017
Review date
Do not keep printed versions of guidelines as currency of information cannot be guaranteed.
Access the current version from the WNHS website.
Removal of Staples
Clinical Guidelines Obstetrics & Gynaecology
DPMS Ref: 7521
All guidelines should be read in conjunction with the Disclaimer at the beginning of this manual
Page 3 of 3