Essential Surgical Instruments: Types, Uses & Identification

Core Surgical Instrument Categories

Every surgical tray contains instruments grouped by function. Mastery of names, uses, and handling is fundamental.

Cutting & Dissecting

• Scalpel: #10 (large incisions), #11 (stab), #15 (fine); blades disposable, handles reusable.
• Scissors: Mayo (heavy, straight/curved), Metzenbaum (fine, curved), Iris (delicate), bandage, suture.
• Electrocautery (Bovie): Monopolar (cut/coag) & bipolar (precise hemostasis).

Grasping & Holding

• Forceps: Tissue (Allis, Babcock, Russian), dressing, sponge, towel clips.
• Needle drivers: Mayo‑Hegar (heavy), Castroviejo (micro), Ryder (vascular).
• Hemostats / Clamps: Kelly, Crile, Rochester‑Pean, Mosquito (curved/straight), Satinsky (vascular).

Retraction & Exposure

• Hand‑held: Army‑Navy, Richardson, Deaver, Balfour (abdominal).
• Self‑retaining: Weitlaner, Gelpi, Bookwalter, Omni‑retractor.

Suction & Irrigation

• Yankauer (oral/pharyngeal), Frazier (fine neuro), Poole (abdominal large volume).

Specialized

• Endoscopic: Laparoscopic graspers, scissors, clip appliers, needle drivers (5‑10 mm).
• Microsurgical: Jewelers forceps, micro‑scissors, needle holders (0.5‑1 mm tips).
• Laser / Harmonic / LigaSure: Energy‑based sealing devices.
• Robotic: Da Vinci instruments (wristed, 8 mm).

Care & Safety

• Count protocols (sponges, sharps, instruments) – every case.
• Inspect for damage (nicks, corrosion, insulation breach).
• Sterilization per manufacturer (steam, low‑temp).
• Pass sharp end down, handle first; announce “sharp.”