Different types of Surgical scissors and their uses

Uses

Here are a few notable advantages of surgical scissors in surgical procedures:

·        Greatly used for removing or applying bandages on wounds. Adoptive and non-biological parts can also be cut with the use of surgical scissors

·        Used for removing or adding the stitches

·        Helps in the removal or cutting of sutures

·        Cutting papers during operations

·        Dissecting scissors provide great precision during surgical procedures by isolating the tissues and also assisting in differentiating between the tissues

·        Iris scissors are ideally used to remove lesions during eye surgery and generally have a delicate design

Handling of scissors

The right thumb and ring finger of the right hand are involved in holding the surgical scissors. Operators can also hold it just like holding a needle driver. This holding position is ideal to maintain balance in the case when the arm is supinated or pronated. The use of the thumb or middle finger is prohibited while holding or grasping the scissors as it is the wrong position to hold the tool. This is not recommended because it might cause imbalance and the tip of the scissors can slide toward the other side. However, the index finger comes into use while doing operations to balance or control the scissors.

Variations

There are plenty of variations available for surgical scissors and can be chosen based on the surgical requirement. Some of the variations include:

·        Dissecting scissors- a versatile tool used during different procedures for isolating the tissues. These scissors come in different variations comprising their unique characteristics. The sharpness of the scissors blades is variable to fulfill different surgical requirements. These scissors are generally used for dissecting and cutting different tissues. The different types of commonly used dissecting scissors include :

• Metzenbaum dissecting scissors
• Ragnell dissecting scissors
• Mayo dissecting scissors
• Reynolds dissecting scissors

·        Neurosurgical scissors- The scissors of this category are used in neurosurgery for dissection and fine cutting of tissues. Some important types of neurosurgical scissors include:

• Kelly (Adson) Gangolian scissors Straight/Curved
• Strully neurosurgical scissors 8” Curved Blade

·        Suture scissors- These types of surgical scissors are greatly used to cut sutures for dressings, removal, and sizing. They perform fine cutting action due to their sharp and strong blades. Different types of suture scissors widely used in surgeries are as follows:

• Standard Stitch Scissors
• Spencer Stitch Scissors
• Westcott Stitch Scissors
• Littauer Stitch Scissors

·        Tenotomy scissors- These scissors are ideally used for performing delicate surgeries. These can be Straight or Curved having blunt or sharp tips that assist in more accurate and smaller cuts. Some important types of Tenotomy scissors include:

• Stevens Tenotomy scissors Standard Straight
• Stevens Tenotomy scissors Tungsten carbide Super Sharp
• Westcott Tenotomy Scissors Blunt tips

·        Bandage scissors- These surgical scissors are widely used by medical staff including doctors, nurses, and clinicians to lift bandages away from the skin. The pointed and blunt tip prevents accidental damage during the removal of the bandage. Different variations include:

• Super Cut- Super Sharp Bandage scissors
• Lister Bandage scissors
• Tungsten Carbide Bandage scissors
• High-Level Bandage scissors
• Left-handed Bandage scissors

·        Iris scissors- these are widely used in ophthalmic surgeries as well as postmortem examinations for delicate tissue dissection in these areas. The fine-cutting action is ensured due to the small inserts. Different types include:

• Iris Scissors Straight Left hand
• Dewecker Iris scissors
• Iris Scissors Standard Angular
• Knapp Iris Scissors Straight

Sharpening the surgical scissors before the surgical procedure

It is crucial for surgical instruments to be well-maintained and sharp. These scissors are used to cut both delicate and large tissues or organs and hence require special care. Every healthcare department should be conscious about testing these scissors to avoid any complications during surgeries.

• Hold the scissors just like surgeons do while doing operations with the help of the right thumb and the middle finger of the right hand.
• For the piercing of materials, use only half of the scissors blade all the way to the distal tip
• Retrieve the scissors after making several cuts. If they don’t hang onto or pick up any material then they are considered sharp.
• Surgical scissors that work smoothly without any jump, grind or loose when closing or opening are considered ideal surgical scissors.

Instruments care

Instruments must be cared for before, during, and following the surgical procedure to maintain their efficiency. The first step is referred to as the point of use or pre-cleaning which allows these tools to remain clean during the surgical practice. This crucial step permits surgeons to use a clean tool free of any body fluid or debris and also prevents biofilm and bioburden from forming on the instrument.

It’s advised to wipe out the instrument with sterile water throughout the procedure. Also, following the ISO guidelines, it is suggested to spray the tools with enzymatic cleaner after completing the surgical procedure.

Additionally, it is advised to not use saline solution for cleaning the instruments. Excessive soaking of surgical instruments in any kind of fluid and using saline will cause pitting on the instrument. Diverts or small pockets that start appearing on the instruments are referred to as pitting. If the surgical instruments show signs of pitting, they must be buffed out before use as it may halt the efficacy of the instrument.

Transporting surgical instruments

Surgical instruments are delicate tools that must be handled with utmost care. While transporting these instruments, it is important to undergo careful placement of these tools separating heavy ones from delicate and dirty ones from clean ones. Tip protection is also crucial that protects the instrument from any breakage or potential damage.

Precautions

•It is important to inspect, clean, and sterilize Babcock tissue forceps before first use and every re-use.

•While reprocessing the instruments, it is important to handle them with care wearing proper personal equipment gear.

•Do not use disinfection agents containing mercury, chloride, active chlorine, iodide, iodine, or bromine as they may damage the instrument.

•Do not soak your instruments in hot water, disinfectants, antiseptics, or alcohol for longer than 2 hours to avoid damaging them.

•Do not use abrasive detergents, wire brushes or pipe cleaners, steel wool, etc.

•Do not use products with high alkaline and high acidic potency for disinfection.

Storage of instruments

After proper sterilization, the instruments need to be kept under environmentally controlled conditions. They must be stored in a way that the products are protected from condensation, excessive humidity, contamination by moisture, excessive air pressure, dust/dirt, etc.

Material

Surgical scissors are usually made up of fine-quality German stainless steel material. The robust material makes these instruments corrosion-free and rust-proof. Some variations of surgical scissors also comprise tungsten carbide inserts along the cutting edges that strengthen the blades and enhance the hardness of the equipment.

Conclusion

Surgical scissors are the most valuable and significant items of surgical instruments. They are generally made up of fine quality material that enhances the longevity of this tool and renders them reusable for a long time after being sterilized. We provide the best quality surgical scissors at the best prices for our valued customers.