There are a wide array of instruments available for use during a surgical procedure, each with their specific uses and advantages (and disadvantages). As a surgeon, it is important to know not only their names but when they should be used, and each speciality will have their own specific kit. In this article, we cover the main instruments found in a general set for open abdominal surgery. Ratcheted Forceps Allis Allis forceps are toothed surgical instruments, used to grasp firm tissues (such as fascia). By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 1Allis Forceps Babcock Babcock forceps are jawed instruments with a smooth end, allowing for more delicate structures (such as bowel) to be held in an atraumatic manner By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 2Babcock tissue forceps Dunhills Dunhill forceps are small forceps with curved serrated ends, often used to grasp vessels prior to ligation By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 3Dunhill forceps Lane Tissue Forceps Lane tissue forceps have interlocking teeth, allowing the grasping of tough tissues, such as fascia By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 4Lanes tissue forceps Littlewoods Littlewood forceps have blunt ended teeth, used to grasp tough tissues, such as fascia. They are often used to gain entry via the umbilicus for laparoscopic surgery. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 5Littlewood forceps Sawtell Sawtell forceps are curved forceps with a serrated end, often used to grasp vessels prior to ligation By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 6Sawtell forceps Spencer Wells Available as curved or straight, Spencer Wells forceps can be used to clamp medium to large sized vessels prior to ligation By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 7Spencer Wells forceps Non-Ratcheted Forceps Debakey Debakey forceps are non-toothed forceps used in a wide variety of procedures, importantly can be used to grasp tissues (such as bowel) without damaging them By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 8Debakey forceps Lanes Lanes forceps are toothed instruments, useful for grasping tissues and are widely used within all surgical specialities (however not to be used to grasp bowel) By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 9Lanes forceps Gillies Gillies forceps are narrow toothed forceps, often used to grasp skin (not to be used to grasp bowel) By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 10Gillies forceps Scissors Mayo Mayo scissors are heavy scissors, with semi-blunt ends, often used to cut thick tissues or sutures, either straight or curved By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 11Mayo scissors McIndoe McIndoe scissors are used often for cutting or dissecting tissues, characteristically have a curved blade By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 12McIndoe scissors Retractors There are multiple types of retractors available, all of varying sizes and length, such as Langenbeck, Travers, Morris, or St Mark’s retractors. There use is dependent on the operation and wound involved, however the most common are discussed below. Langenbeck The Langenbeck retractor is a hook shaped retractor with an L-shaped end, used to keep back tissue or separate the edges of wounds. They come in small, medium, or large sizes, depending on the depth of the cavity required By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 13Langenbeck retractors (A) Small (B) Medium (C) Large Norfolk and Norwich The Norfolk and Norwich retractor is a self-retaining retractor, used to keep deep wounds and cavities open, with blunt ends to reduce risk of iatrogenic tissue injury By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 14Norfolk and Norwich retractor Travers The Travers retractor is a self-retaining retractor, with short ends for use in keeping superficial wounds open By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 15Travers retractor Other Needle Holder For holding needles, will come in varying sizes and length depending on the needle and tissue in question By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 16Needle holder Rampley Sponge Holding A Rampley can be used to handle gauze or sponges By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 17Sponge-holding Rampley Towel Clips Towel clips are most commonly used to secure towels or drapes in place, however they can be used to grasp tissue if required By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2021) Figure 18Towel clips Key Points There are a wide range of surgical instruments available, all with varying designs and uses Ensure to learn the names and advantages of all instruments available in the operating theatre Rate This Article