GROUP MEMBERS
OFORI EMELIA – 7417521
IBRAHIM YUSIF SAMIRU – 7414821
SHIAMATEY JUSTINA – 7416721
AWINE JOSEPHINE BOWINEFARA – 7414121
AGYENIM BOATENG BLESSING - 7413121
KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
FACULTY OF ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING
GROUP FOUR (4) NURSING
PERI-OPERATIVE NURSING AND ANAESTHESIA
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS
Introduction
Surgical Instruments are tools or devices specifically designed for performing
surgical tasks, such as cutting, dissecting, grasping, holding, clamping, retracting,
suturing, probing, dilating, and suctioning. These instruments are essential for
ensuring precision, control, and safety during surgical procedures.
With the variety and complexity of surgical techniques, surgeons use different
instruments to optimize their performance.
CATEGORIES AND TYPES OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS
Surgical instruments are categorized based on their functions and specific uses in
surgical procedures. And under each category, there are various types of surgical
instruments that fall under them.
Here are some common categories and types of surgical instruments, along with
their descriptions and indications:
Cutting and Dissecting Instruments
Scalpel: A small, sharp knife used for making precise incisions. It is widely
used in nearly all surgical procedures. It consists of a handle and a thin,
straight blade. Scalpels are essential for achieving clean and accurate cuts,
which are crucial for the success of various surgical interventions.
Scissors: Used for cutting tissues; types include Mayo scissors (for cutting
heavy tissues such as fascia and sometimes sutures) and Metzenbaum
scissors (for cutting delicate tissues).
Bone Cutters: Used to cut through bones. Different variations of bone
cutters include Kerrison Rongeur used in spinal surgery, Sagittal Saw
used in orthopedics surgery, Gigli Saw used in orthopedic and trauma
surgeries when a more manual and controlled bone cut is necessary.
Saws: Used for cutting through bone, such as in orthopedic surgeries.
Grasping and Holding Instruments
Forceps: They consist of two arms, often with opposing surfaces that come
together to grip the tissue securely. Examples:
Allis Forceps: These forceps have a toothed grasping surface and are used
for holding and retracting heavy tissue. The teeth provide a firm grip,
making them ideal for use on tough tissues such as fascia.
Babcock Forceps: These forceps have a smooth, rounded grasping surface
and are used for holding delicate tissues without causing damage. They are
commonly used in intestinal and laparotomy procedures.
Toothed Forceps: These forceps have pointed teeth on the grasping
surfaces, which provide a secure grip on tissues. They are often used for
holding skin or dense tissues.
Adson Forceps: These forceps are small and fine-tipped used for delicate
tissue handling and suturing. They have fine teeth or serrations to ensure a
secure grip without causing damage.
Debakey Forceps: These forceps have fine, atraumatic teeth and are used
for handling delicate tissues and blood vessels. They are commonly used in
vascular and cardiac surgeries.
Tongue Forceps: Used to hold and manipulate the tongue during oral and
throat surgeries.
Tenaculum: Used to hold or grasp tissues during procedures mostly during
gynecological procedure. They have a long handle for ease of use and a locking
mechanism to maintain a steady grip on the tissue.
Needle Holder: A specialized instrument used to hold and guide a needle during
suturing. It has a locking mechanism to secure the needle and prevent it from
slipping.
Towel Clamps: Used to secure surgical drapes to the patient's skin, keeping the
surgical area sterile and unobstructed.
Clamping and Occluding Instruments
Hemostats: Also known as artery forceps, hemostats are used to clamp blood
vessels to stop bleeding. They often have serrated jaws for a secure grip on
blood vessels or tissues.
They come in various shapes and sizes, including straight and curved options.
Common types include:
Kelly Forceps: Medium-sized with a curved or straight blade, used for
clamping larger blood vessels.
Mosquito Hemostats: Smaller and finer, used for clamping small blood
vessels.
Clamps: Used to occlude blood vessels or other tubular structures. Examples
include:
Debakey Vascular Clamps: Specifically designed for clamping blood
vessels during vascular surgery. They have Atraumatic Jaws. Meaning they
are designed to minimize trauma to blood vessels.
Fogarty Clamps: Used to occlude blood vessels temporarily, often in
cardiovascular and thoracic surgeries.
Retracting Instruments
Retractors: Used to hold back tissues or organs to expose the surgical field.
They surgeon with a clear view of the surgical field. They are essential for
maintaining a clear and accessible operative site. Types include Langenbeck
retractors and Travers retractors.
Suturing Instruments
They are used to close wounds or surgical incisions. These instruments help in
holding the suture material and the needle securely while suturing. Here are some
common suturing instruments:
Needle holders. Example;
Mayo-Hegar Needle Holder: Versatile and commonly used in various
surgical procedures.
Crile-Wood Needle Holder: Provides excellent control for delicate
suturing.
Sutures: Used to close wounds or surgical incisions.
Dilating and Probing Instruments
These instruments are used to widen or access narrow openings in the body and to
explore or examine internal structures. These instruments are essential for
procedures that require accessing or enlarging body passages or cavities. Example;
Dilators: Used to enlarge an opening or passage in the body. Example anal
dilators, urethral dilators, nasal dilators, vaginal dilators, etc.
Probes: Used to explore or measure the depth of a wound or cavity.
Example uterine probes, anal probes, broncospic probes, intestinal probes,
etc.
Suction Instruments
Suction Devices: Used to remove fluids from the surgical field; types
include Yankauer suction tips and Frazier suction tips.
These instruments are essential for performing various surgical procedures safely
and effectively. Each instrument is designed for a specific purpose and must be
used correctly to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS
Ensure Sterilization: Always sterilize surgical instruments thoroughly before
use to prevent infection and cross-contamination.
Handle with Care: Exercise caution when handling instruments to avoid
accidental injuries. Use proper techniques for passing, holding, and positioning
instruments during surgeries.
Caution with Sharp Instruments: Be vigilant when working with sharp tools
like scalpels and needles. Use protective devices and ensure proper disposal to
prevent injuries.
Regular Inspection: Inspect surgical instruments regularly for any damage or
wear. Replace or repair instruments as needed to maintain their effectiveness and
safety.
Instrument Counting: Perform counts of instruments before, during, and after
surgery to ensure none are left inside the patient, preventing retained surgical
items.
Proper Storage: Store surgical instruments in designated areas to maintain
their sterility and prevent damage. Use suitable storage solutions to keep them
organized.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for
the use, cleaning, and maintenance of surgical instruments to ensure proper
functioning and longevity.
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate PPE, such as
gloves, masks, and eye protection, to protect yourself from exposure to bloodborne
pathogens and other hazards during surgery.
REFERENCES
Basic types of surgical instruments
Basic types of surgical instruments and their applications - Surtex
Instruments.com
Types of surgical instruments
https://www.steris.com
A Surgical Instruments List with Names and Uses
A Surgical Instruments List With Names and Uses
