Potential for autoimmune responses to titanium staples?

Question

Someone asked if their body would “reject” the staples; you answered no. But a possibility of developing autoimmune responses exists per articles I have seen online, even to singular rice-sized titanium clips from breast markers, such as: hives, various edemas, asthma, neuropathy, burning sensation in limbs, coughing, post-nasal drip, spinal damage, malaise, burning lips/tongue, and new food allergies. I suppose after the stomach incision heals fully the staples could be removed later?

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. You are correct that there have been cases of allergic reactions to titanium staples. For the vast majority of patients, titanium is biocompatible and cases of allergy are exceedingly rare. The tests for titanium allergy are imperfect and thus given the rarity of allergic reaction, testing for titanium allergy prior to surgery is not the standard of care. Some have suggested preoperative testing may be appropriate for those who have other allergies (esp to metals) who may be more prone to titanium allergy. Stapling of the stomach is different from stapling of skin incisions and it is generally not possible to remove the stomach staples after placement. I have never seen a titanium allergy in any of my patients.
I do hope the highly unlikely possibility of a titanium allergy does not deter you from the well known and proven health benefits of the gastric sleeve.
Best regards,
Dr. Moein

Pablo Garcia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, I hope you are well. I suppose you are talking about staples used during a gastric sleeve. There is no scientific evidence that titanium staples trigger autoimmune disease. Additionally, the signs and symptoms you have mentioned are do not point to autoimmune disease. On the other hand, staples cannot be removed at any time after surgery.

Mark Pleatman, MD (retired) · Answer

I won't deny that there may be some remote possibility of having an allergy to titanium.  If that is a concern for you, ask your doctor to give you a titanium clip and wear it in your ear as an earring.  Hopefully that will convince you that the risk is low.  To answer your other question; the staples cannot be removed later.  There are literally thousands of them, and they are extremely tiny.

Potential for autoimmune responses to titanium staples?

Answers (3)

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