Removing Staples

Wounds may be stapled to facilitate healing through primary intention. Wounds must be assessed frequently to determine the wound healing process. Once the wound is deemed healed and the wound union satisfactory, the staples that held the wound edges together can be removed.

Staple removal is routinely performed by nurses after being directed by a medical officer. Alternate staples should be removed first, then the remaining staples either after the wound has been assessed or when directed.

A consideration with staple removal is the dressings that are required to be placed on the wound once staples have been removed. Consider, also, whether analgesia is required prior to the staples removal procedure.

Documentation of the procedure should be completed on all appropriate forms/charts, for example a wound management chart.