Comparison of Aesthetic Outcomes of Epidermal Staples vs Sutures in Deep Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction.

Background: A secondary benefit of abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction may be improving the abdominal contour; however, poor scaring can lead to aesthetic dissatisfaction and complications. Although studies have demonstrated favorable aesthetic results and decreased operative time using dermal or subcuticular stapling (Insorb), no reports exist regarding epidermal stapling.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the aesthetic abdominal scar outcomes, closure time, and postoperative complications of abdominally based breast reconstruction patients who have undergone suture closure vs epidermal staple closure.

Methods: A total of 217 patients who underwent abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction from 2011 to 2022 were included and retrospectively analyzed (staples = 41, suture = 176). Twenty-four patients' postoperative abdominal scar photographs were randomly chosen (staples = 12, sutures = 12) and assessed by 3 board-certified plastic surgeons using a modified patient observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) and visual analog scale (VAS). Closure time (minutes per centimeter) using staples or sutures was also analyzed.

Results: The assessment of abdominal scars closed by epidermal staples revealed significant improvements in thickness ( = .033), relief ( = .033), surface area ( = .017), overall opinion ( = .033), POSAS score ( = .034), and VAS scar score ( = .023) in comparison with scars closed by sutures. Closing the abdominal wound with staples was significantly faster than closing with sutures ( < .0001). Staple and suture closure had similar postoperative complication rates.

Conclusions: Abdominal donor-site scar quality may be superior and faster using the epidermal staple compared to traditional suture closure.