Running subcuticular skin closure with absorbable suture may have a lower deep surgical site infection rate compared to skin staples in open posterior lumbar spine surgery
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Is there a higher risk of surgical site infection (SSI) after posterior lumbar spine surgeries closed with staples versus running subcuticular closures with absorbable suture (RSAS)? Methods: After institutional review board approval, we retrospectively identified open posterior lumbar spine surgical closures utilizing skin staples (staples group: 123 cases) or RSAS (RSAS group: 382 cases) performed by three surgeons who used both methods (2018-2020). Results: The rate of deep SSI in the RSAS group was 1.8% versus 5.7% for the staples group. There were no significant differences in demographics, comorbidities, extent of surgery, and length of hospital stay between the two groups. Although there was a greater percentage of previous surgery at the same site in the RSAS group, their rate of SSI was still lower than that for the staples group. Conclusion: Skin closure with skin staples appeared to have a greater risk for deep SSI (5.7%) versus RSAS (1.8%) for patients undergoing open posterior lumbar surgeries.
Source: Surgical Neurology International
Authors: Saechin Kim, John G. Massoud, Philip Hanna, Serafina F. Zotter, Amanda Schillinger, Charles J. Culata, Jason J. Zhang, Valerie Kiers, Mark P. Cote
Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4415728254