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Skin Staples vs Polypropylene in Elective Laparotomy
Sponsor: Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences
Summary
Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common postoperative complications following elective laparotomy and contributes significantly to patient morbidity, prolonged hospital stay, and increased healthcare costs. Various techniques are available for skin closure, including skin staples and polypropylene sutures; however, evidence regarding their comparative effectiveness remains inconsistent, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare skin staples with polypropylene sutures for skin closure following elective laparotomy. Eligible adult patients undergoing elective laparotomy at the Department of General Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either skin staples or polypropylene sutures. The primary outcomes are skin closure time and incidence of surgical site infection within 30 days of surgery. Secondary outcomes include wound dehiscence, postoperative pain, cosmetic scar appearance, patient satisfaction, and duration of hospital stay. The findings will provide evidence regarding the optimal skin closure technique for elective laparotomy in the Pakistani population.
Official title: Skin Staples Versus Polypropylene for Skin Closure in Elective Laparotomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
15 Years - 50 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
130
Start Date
2026-01-31
Completion Date
2026-12-31
Last Updated
2026-10-08
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Skin staples
Disposable stainless steel skin staples will be used for skin closure following elective laparotomy. Skin closure will be performed according to the standard surgical technique of the Department of General Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), immediately after completion of fascial closure.
Polypropylene skin suture
Skin closure will be performed using interrupted polypropylene (Prolene) sutures following elective laparotomy according to the standard surgical technique of the Department of General Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
Locations (1)
Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences
Islamabad, Capital, Pakistan