Abstract
Background Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant postoperative complication, particularly in renal transplant recipients, who are inherently immunosuppressed and prone to delayed wound healing. The choice of skin closure technique may influence infection risk, yet evidence comparing staples versus sutures in this specific population remains limited. Objective The main objective of this study is to compare the incidence of SSI after wound closure with staples versus sutures in post-renal transplant recipients. Methods This prospective observational study was carried out from January 1, 2022, to January 1, 2024, at the Institute of Kidney Diseases (IKD), Peshawar, Pakistan. Using the skin closure approach, 50 renal transplant recipients were recruited and split into two equal groups of 25 each. We gathered information on immunosuppressive treatment, postoperative problems, comorbidities, demographics, and surgical length. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), was used to record and assess the incidence of SSIs during the 30-day postoperative period. Results Although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.247), the incidence of SSI was higher in the staples group (six patients, 24%) than in the sutures group (two patients, 8%). Additionally, the staples group had higher rates of redness, drainage, and positive wound cultures. Staple closure was linked to a higher - albeit non-significant - adjusted odds ratio for SSI (AOR 3.5; 95% CI: 0.9-12.9; p = 0.07), according to multivariate logistic regression. Conclusion While not statistically significant, suture closure demonstrated a trend toward fewer SSIs in renal transplant patients. Sutures may be the preferred method in this high-risk population. Larger trials are warranted.