For someone who does not have basic knowledge and minimal experience when it comes to surgical instruments, it can be challenging and confusing. The names are complicated, there’s very little difference between various tools, and the use for each instrument is not quite easy to understand. A beginner in the medical field may feel overwhelmed and intimidated because of the many surgical tools, and this manual was specifically made to help them.
Forceps
Forceps are used to grasp, retract and stabilise the tissue and other objects during the operation. It is divided into two categories: toothed and non-toothed at the tip. There are different bipolar forceps available, like adson forceps and tissue forceps. They are offered in reusable and single-use and comes in different length and tip size, whichever fits the needs the best. Forceps can be used for gynecology, cardio, pediatric or plastic surgery.
Scalpel
A scalpel is a bladed surgical tool that is used for cutting and dissecting tissue into the body. It is a very sharp object that comes in different sizes and types depending on the cuts and surgeries it is being used for. The blades are usually made of carbon or medical grade stainless steel. It consists of a blade and handle, and is generally used by surgeons.
Scissors
Scissors are usually used by surgeons during a procedure to cut the tissue inside or at the surface of the human boy. The blades of surgical scissors are either curved or straight depending on its use. However, there are around 2,000 various types of surgical scissors, which are usually made of high grade medical stainless steel. Furthermore, scissors are considered to be the most important amongst the different surgical instruments.
Clamps
A clamp is used to hold tissue and other objects and provides hemostasis. They are also used for occluding, clamping, gripping, and dissecting. However, because they are used to hold and ligature, they can also act as a retractor to move the layers of tissue or change the angle of a vessel. Moreover, they can also be used during a dissection, especially when bleeding suddenly happens.
Retractors
Surgical retractors are used by surgeons during an operation to help hold an open wound or any organs and tissues to make it possible to access under the incision. It allows surgeons to maneuver through deep and open cavities and helps them have better visibility of the situation of the affected area during the surgery, which makes it easier for the surgeon and the surgical team.
Suctions
A surgical suction is used to remove surgical fluids, bodily fluids, tissue and bones during and after a surgical procedure. There are different types of disposable suctions like foreign body suctions, Frazier suction and laser suction. However, the disposable Frazier suction is the most popular choice because of its strong stainless steel lumen; it is also easy to hold and provides a precise suction control.
The operating room would include multiple instruments that will be used to perform different surgeries, and a medical staff who is clueless about what these tools are would endanger the patient and can even cost his life. This is why it is essential to know and understand the different surgical instruments and their functions, most especially because one instrument may have different types and different purposes like the scissors, forceps and scalpel.
