Surgeons apply staples to wounds to close them after an operation or a large laceration. Surgical staples are metal and do not dissolve. After the incision heals, approximately seven to 10 days, removal of the surgical staples occurs. Using proper technique to remove the staples is important to decrease discomfort to the patient. Carefully removing the staples helps minimize tissue damage and lowers the risk of infection in the wound. Staple removal is not generally painful, but may increase anxiety in some individuals.
Step 1
Wash hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap and dry. Put on gloves.
Step 2
Inspect the wound to ensure the entire incision has healed. If there are any signs the wound is open, consult the physician before removing any staples.
Step 3
Count the staples in the incision.
Step 4
Clean the incision with a skin disinfectant, such as alcohol. Allow the disinfectant to dry on the skin.
Step 5
Slip a staple remover under the first staple, at the end of the incision. Center the staple remover on the staple, with the lower jaw of the remover under the staple and the upper jaw above the staple.
Step 6
Slowly squeeze the staple remover together and release the staple from the skin. The outer legs of the staple will bend slightly while applying pressure to them.
Step 7
Release pressure on the staple remover to place the staple in a container. Repeat the process until all remaining staples are out of the skin.
Step 8
Count the removed staples to ensure the count is the same as the staples in the incision.
Step 9
Apply steri-strips or a dressing, if needed.
Step 10
Dispose of the staples.
Things You'll Need
- Staple remover
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