Surgical instruments are specifically designed for specific tasks used in general surgery, dental operations, eye surgeries or specialized fields. Here is an outline of surgical tools' different types and uses and their significance in ensuring positive outcomes.
Diagnostic Surgical Tools
These surgical tools are used by clinicians and surgeons to assess patients' conditions. Diagnostic surgical tools are the first step in any medical procedure, letting the surgeon know what they are working with.- Mouth mirror: Mouth mirrors are commonly used in dentistry for providing a clear view of hard-to-see areas within the oral cavity, helping in diagnosis and further planning
- Explorers: Explorers are fine-tipped instruments designed to detect cavities, cracks, or damaged tissue surfaces
Cutting instruments
One of the most essential tools is cutting surgical instruments. These instruments are used for clean and precise incisions and excisions of tissues and structures.- Scalpel and Blades: Scalpel is a small knife with alternative blades used to make precise incisions in soft tissues.
- Scissors: Surgical scissors are used to cut tissues, sutures, or bandages. They are available in straight and curved shapes.
- Bonesaw: Bonesaw is a unique stool that cuts or reshapes bones during orthopedic or reconstructive surgeries.
- Surgical pliers: These are mostly used in orthopedic surgeries to cut, twist, or crimp wires during operations. They also grip and handle tissues.
Holding and Gripping Instruments
Such tools are essential for holding or maintaining the tissues safely without causing trauma to the surrounding tissues. These surgical tools are necessary for keeping control during surgeries.- Forceps: During surgery, forceps hold or grip tissues, blood vessels, or any foreign objects. They come in a diverse range of shapes, sizes, and dimensions.
- Needle holders: These are used to hold and guide the needles during suturing.
- Towel Forceps: Towel forceps secure surgical drapes to maintain a sterile field during the procedure.
- Surgical dissectors: Dissectors serve various purposes, such as lifting, exposing, or separating tissues and for hemostatic purposes. They are available in various shapes and sizes, each designed for specific surgical requirements.
Retractors
Retractors are designed to hold the organs or tissues in place for better visibility and access to the surgical site.- Cheek retractors: Cheek retractors are common during oral and dental surgeries to hold back soft tissues for better access.
- Abdominal retractors: These are used mainly in abdominal surgeries to expose internal organs and to separate the tissues.
- Self-retaining retractors: These reactors have a locking mechanism, allowing surgeons to free their hands during surgery.
Instruments for Suction and Irrigation
Maintaining a sterile and clear surgical field is essential for successful outcomes and minimal complications. These surgical tools help remove extra fluid and debris from the surgical site.- Suction devices: Suction tools and tips remove blood, saliva, or extra fluid during the surgery.
- Irrigation syringes: These syringes deliver sterile solutions to clean the area for proper visualization and sterility.
Suturing Tools
Post-surgery wound closure is a critical part of surgery. Suturing tools enable surgeons to secure the tissues together for proper healing.- Needles: Needles are available in different material shapes and sizes to cater to different surgical needs.
- Sutures: These are available in absorbable and non-absorbable material and are used according to the patient and the procedure.
- Suture Scissors: These scissors are specifically designed to cut the sutures precisely.
- Staplers: Surgical staplers are used for efficient and quick closing of larger incisions.
Specialized Surgical Instruments
Specific surgical procedures need specialized and precise surgical tools, such as:- Laparoscopic instruments: These thin and long tools allow access through small incisions for minimally invasive surgeries.
- Implant drills: Implant drills are designed to create holes in the bones, especially during the placement of dental implants.
- Cryoprobes: These instruments are used in cryosurgery to freeze or sabotage abnormal tissues.
- Electrosurgical pencil: Electrosurgical or Cautery pencil is an advanced surgical device that controls bleeding during electrosurgical procedures. These are also used to cut and coagulate the tissues.
- Surgical electrodes: Surgical electrodes are small metal plates or needles that carry electricity from a tool to a patient during surgery. They are also used to cut tissues and control bleeding during a procedure. They are available in different types and modes.
Bone Surgery Instruments
Specific surgical procedures require tools to reshape or smoothen the bones.- Rongeurs: Bone rongeurs cut or remove the bone fragments during specific procedures.
- Bone files: Bone files are used to smoothen rough bone edges, helping the healing process.
- Osteotomes: Osteotomes are used in dental implant surgeries to lift or reshape bone structures.
Sterilization in Surgical Tools
Ensuring that all the surgical instruments are sterile is critical to prevent infections and maintain patient safety. Surgical tools are sterilized using:- Sterilization trays: Sterilization trays, or autoclave trays, are used in surgeries and lab settings to hold and transport surgical instruments that require sterilization. They play a vital role in healthcare, promoting sterility and infection control.
- Autoclave: A machine that uses high-pressure steam to sterilize the surgical tools
- Ultrasonic cleaners: These devices are designed to use sound waves to remove debris from the tools
- Chemical disinfectants: In this method, various solutions are used to sterilize tools that cannot be sterilized with heat.