9 Common Surgical Tools

In any operating room, you’ll find neatly arranged instruments, each with a clear purpose, from the first cut to the final stitch. These tools are more than metal; they help keep patients safe and surgeries precise.

Using the right instrument is key. Surgeons need different tools to cut, hold tissue, stop bleeding, and close wounds.

This article explains nine important types of surgical instruments, including scalpels, forceps, staplers, suction devices, and special sutures that help wounds heal well.

1. Scalpel

The scalpel remains surgery’s most iconic instrument, and for good reason. This precise cutting tool pairs a reusable handle with disposable blades tailored to different procedures. 

Common options include the #10 for general incisions, the #11 for sharp punctures and small cuts, and the #15 for delicate, curved work.

Each blade has a specific role. For example, the #10’s curved edge is ideal for skin incisions, while the #11’s pointed tip is perfect for drainage holes or reaching tight spaces. 

In contrast, the #15’s smaller size gives surgeons excellent control when operating in confined areas.

2. Scissors

Surgical scissors take on tasks a scalpel can’t handle, offering versatility for many procedures. These cutting instruments come in different shapes to match specific materials and situations. 

Some have straight blades for general cutting, while others feature gentle curves that follow the body’s natural contours.

The tips and edges make the real difference. For instance, blunt-tip scissors protect delicate tissues during dissection, whereas sharp-pointed versions cut through tougher materials like sutures or bandages. Additionally, some scissors include serrated edges to grip slippery tissue more securely.

3. Forceps

Forceps act as precision grasping tools that extend a surgeon’s dexterity into the operative field. They come in several specialized varieties, each designed for a specific task. 

DeBakey forceps, for example, have fine teeth that hold delicate tissues without causing trauma, making them ideal for vascular work.

Russian forceps provide broader, gentler surfaces for handling larger tissue areas, while Adson forceps offer exceptional control for small, delicate structures. 

In contrast, Bonney forceps deliver the strong grip needed for tougher tissues. The choice depends on the tissue type and the level of precision required.

4. Clamps

Hemostatic clamps act as temporary closures to control bleeding during surgery. The Crile hemostat provides reliable control for medium-sized vessels, while Kelly clamps deliver a stronger crush for larger ones. Each clamp type varies in jaw design and locking mechanism to suit different needs.

Kocher clamps include teeth for a firm grip but can cause more tissue damage. Meanwhile, Allis clamps use multiple small teeth to spread pressure evenly, and Babcock clamps feature smooth, curved jaws that hold delicate organs gently. 

Choosing the right clamp helps maintain hemostasis while protecting surrounding tissues.

5. Needles and Sutures

Surgical needles and sutures represent the final step in most procedures, bringing tissues back together for proper healing. Modern suture materials include both absorbable options that dissolve naturally and permanent varieties that need removal. 

Needle choice depends on tissue density, with cutting needles suited for tough skin and blunt needles for delicate internal organs.

Suture selection also requires considering absorption time, tensile strength, and tissue reaction. 

6. Retractors

Retractors create and maintain surgical exposure by holding tissues apart. Hand-held types such as the Army-Navy provide simple, effective retraction for surface procedures, while 

Richardson retractors allow deeper access with their longer blades. Deaver retractors add a curved design that follows natural anatomical contours.

Self-retaining retractors free the surgeon’s hands by holding position automatically. Weitlaner retractors suit smaller incisions, whereas Bookwalter systems offer wide, stable exposure for major abdominal operations. Together, these instruments turn limited openings into clear, accessible work spaces.

7. Suction

Surgical suction clears blood, irrigation fluid, and debris from the operative field to maintain visibility. 

Yankauer tips handle general fluid removal with large openings and angled designs, while Poole suction provides gentler aspiration for delicate areas. Frazier suction offers precise removal in tight spaces.

Effective suction is essential for clear visualization throughout a procedure. Without proper fluid management, surgeons can lose critical reference points and face complications from obscured anatomy. 

Modern systems also feature adjustable pressure controls to match different tissue sensitivities.

8. Staplers and Clips: Modern Closure Solutions

Surgical staplers provide fast, consistent tissue closure and often outperform traditional suturing. 

Linear staplers create straight closure lines for bowel procedures, while circular staplers connect the ends of tubular organs. Endostaplers make minimally invasive surgery possible through small incisions.

Clips offer another closure option. Metal clips give permanent vessel sealing, whereas absorbable clips dissolve over time. 

Both reduce operative time while ensuring reliable hemostasis. The decision between clips and staplers depends on vessel size, tissue type, and whether closure should be permanent or temporary.

9. Laparoscopic and Robotic Instruments

Minimally invasive surgery uses specialized instruments designed to work through small incisions. Trocars create access ports, and cameras with light sources provide clear visualization, reducing patient trauma while maintaining precision.

Energy devices such as electrosurgical and ultrasonic systems allow cutting and coagulation with a single instrument. 

Robotic surgical systems go even further, offering enhanced dexterity and precision beyond human hand movements. 

Together, these technologies mark the ongoing evolution of surgery toward improved patient outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do surgeons use new tools every time? 

Most surgical instruments are sterilized and reused, while items like scalpel blades, sutures, and certain disposable devices are used once and discarded to prevent infection.

What tool is used for incision? 

The scalpel serves as the primary incision tool, though surgical scissors and electrocautery devices also create incisions in specific situations.

What are surgical pliers called? 

Surgical pliers are typically called forceps or hemostats, depending on their specific design and intended use.

What is a surgery checklist? 

A surgical checklist ensures all necessary instruments, supplies, and safety measures are confirmed before, during, and after procedures to prevent errors.

What are primitive surgical tools? 

Early surgical tools included bronze knives, bone needles, and crude forceps, many of which established design principles still used in modern instruments.

Master These Essential Surgical Tools Through Practice

The Advanced Suture Practice Kit by Artagia Med serves as an excellent tool for building core suturing skills. It includes a range of suture materials, realistic practice pads, and step-by-step guides designed to help medical students develop accuracy and confidence with needles and sutures covered in this guide.

For learners concentrating on surgical methods, the Surgical Knot Tying Board Kit offers focused training on achieving secure knot placement, a vital step that can determine whether a wound heals properly or faces complications. This specialized training directly applies the suturing knowledge discussed throughout this article.

Order now to start practicing with professional-grade materials used in actual medical training programs.