Question:
Allergic reactions to staples?

I had my gallbladder removed just a few years ago, and I was allergic to the external staples and developed areas of infection at each staple site. I took forever to heal the stapled skin, although the incision itself healed relatively clearly. Have they changed the type of metal they use for staples now? Do they have alternate types of staple materials for those (few) of us with this problem? Any ideas/comments/suggestions? --Kim (pre-op still)    — kmcgarghan (posted on September 23, 1999)

September 23, 1999
My surgeon uses titanium staples that are supposed to be non-allergenic....I asked him what kind of metal is ok to stay in the body permanently....Also, they are extremely small, about 1 millimeter each. had visions of the ol' Swingline office stapler....
   — eve E.

September 24, 1999
I have metal allergies also. I'm concerned but it won't stop me from having the surgery. Please let me hear if others have had this problem. Thanks, Griffin Kate
   — Griffin Kate P.

September 24, 1999
Thanks for the answers so far!
   — kmcgarghan

September 24, 1999
My doctor choose to use stiches instead of external staples. Something about the texture and firmness of my tissue and skin. Maybe your doc could use them also.
   — Ken C.

September 25, 1999
My surgeon does some internal stitiching and then uses steri-strips (clear tape) across the incision. At 15 days postop, my incision is completely healed externally and is a narrow pink line. Also, due to Dr. Jones' famous small hands, it's only 3.5 inches long!
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 26, 1999
Hey Kim, I am not going to have staples at all I will have Dermabond Topical Skin Adhesive. Ask about it. This remains in place for 5 to 10 days, then naturally sloughs off your skin. Hope this helps you
   — michele K.