In a message dated 98-06-10 09:02:37 EDT, you write: << At three days postpartum prior to mom being discharged, the staples are removed >> I work in a NICU In Upper East Tenn and will be taking exam in July. Our Doctors leave the staples in for 6 days. It takes at least that long for the incision to heal. It there is a question of an infection they may remove a couple of the stables to allow small area to drain. Hope that this Helps. Nancy R. Johnson RNC