Surgical scissors are indispensable tools in modern healthcare and are used in various medical procedures. These specialized instruments are designed to provide precision, control, and reliability, making them essential for surgeons, nurses, and medical professionals in the operating room.

In this guide, we will explore the different types of surgical scissors, their specific uses, and best maintenance practices.

1. Types of Surgical Scissors:

Surgical scissors come in various designs, each tailored to a specific medical need or surgical procedure. Below are the most common types, categorized based on their structure and intended use:

a. Mayo Scissors:

Mayo scissors are one of the most commonly used types of surgical scissors. They come in two variations—curved and straight—and are designed for cutting more inflexible tissues, such as fascia, muscle, and cartilage. Mayo scissors are typically used during general surgeries, orthopedic procedures, and abdominal operations.

• Straight Mayo Scissors: Used for cutting along flat surfaces or when precision cutting is necessary.
• Curved Mayo Scissors: Ideal for cutting curved tissues and procedures requiring deeper access.

b. Metzenbaum Scissors:

Metzenbaum scissors are delicate and lightweight. They are designed for cutting soft tissue like fat or delicate connective tissue. Their long, thin blades provide high maneuverability, making them perfect for dissection or fine tissue separation during procedures like plastic surgery or microsurgery.

• Straight Metzenbaum Scissors: Used for consecutive cuts on soft tissues.
• Curved Metzenbaum Scissors: Suitable for working in confined spaces or cutting along curved tissue contours.

c. Iris Scissors:

Iris scissors are small, fine-tipped scissors typically used in delicate surgeries such as ophthalmic procedures, microsurgery, or surgeries involving the ear, nose, and throat (ENT). Their precision and thin blades allow surgeons to make highly accurate cuts, often in tiny areas.

d. Bandage Scissors:

While not strictly used for surgery, bandage scissors are essential to a surgical setting. They are designed to cut dressings, gauze, or adhesive bandages without damaging the underlying tissue. Bandage scissors have one blunt tip to avoid accidental injury.

e. Tenotomy Scissors:

Tenotomy scissors are specialized tools used to cut tendons and are commonly used in orthopedic surgeries. Their delicate, sharp blades enable precise cuts during tendon release or reconstruction, particularly in small or tough tendons.

f. Tissue Scissors:

Tissue scissors are designed to cut soft tissues during procedures such as excisions, biopsies, or organ removal. Their sharp blades come in both straight and curved variations, giving surgeons the flexibility to work with different tissue types.