Instruments Surgery

Scalpels

The first incision is always made by a scalpel. There are several sizes and shapes of blades, some flat, some curved. Sterilized, they are attached to a handle for easier use. The type and size of the blade depend on the preference of the surgeon and the area of surgery

Scissors

Scissors can cause more trauma and are used more for cutting thick layers of tissue. The blades can be straight or curved and have either sharp or blunt edges. Other types of scissors are used more outside of surgery, for removing thread sutures, cutting wire sutures or cutting bandage material.

Forceps

There are several kinds, depending on purpose. All are made for grasping, whether delicate areas such as blood vessels or large pieces of tissue. Some look like flat scissors, others like tweezers. They come in many sizes, and some are serrated.

Retractors

These are used to pull apart the edges of the cut skin so the surgeon can better see inside the body. This also gives them better access to organs. Retractors may be handheld, which will be the responsibility of a veterinary technician to keep it in place. They can also be self-retaining, meaning they are held in place with no assistance.

Needle holders

Another instrument used in all surgeries are needle holders. They hold the needle to manually suture the incision. Some also have scissors built in so the surgeon does not need to use a separate instrument to cut the thread.

Miscellaneous

In most routine surgeries that a veterinarian will encounter, such as a spay or lump removal, the instruments listed above are the most common instruments. Every one of them will be used to some extent in all surgeries. There are many specialized instruments. Dental, eye and orthopedic instruments are in separate, extensive categories.