EVALUATION OF A NEW ABSORBABLE LACTOMER(R) SUBCUTICULAR STAPLE

The most recent advance in skin stapling is the Auto Suture(R) SQS(R)- 20 disposable stapler. It approximates and everts wound edges, placing one synthetic absorbable pin in the dermis each time the instrument h andle is activated. Staple wound closure was accomplished four times f aster than sutural closure of the dermis. Wounds with staple pin closu re exhibit superior resistance to infection than wounds approximated b y dermal sutures. Although sutures provide more immediate wound securi ty, as measured by wound breaking strength, than dermal pins, the brea king strength of wounds subjected to either dermal pins or dermal sutu res were not significantly different 14 days after wounding. (C) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.