Introduction to Forceps
Forceps are important surgical instruments that receive a lot of use during surgery. There are two main types of forceps: tissue forceps, commonly referred to as thumb forceps, and dressing forceps. This module will focus primarily on thumb forceps. The main function of thumb forceps is to serve as an adjunct to whatever instrument is in use in the dominant hand. In this capacity, thumb forceps can be used to assist maneuvers with the needle holder, scalpel, electrosurgical wand, scissors, or other instruments. A common application for thumb forceps is to help grasp or stabilize tissue during suturing.
Some specific uses include:
- Holding tissue during cutting
- Temporarily retracting for exposure
- Stabilizing tissue during suturing
- Extracting needles
- Grasping vessels for electrocoagulation
- Passing ligatures around hemostats in deep wounds
- Packing sponges
- Grasping free objects for extraction and
- Clearing blood from surfaces using a swab
Arguably, forceps are some of the most misused instruments in surgery, and inappropriate use can impose significant tissue damage. Proper understanding of their use is critical for successful, atraumatic surgery. In this module, we will examine the types of forceps available, how to properly hold and use forceps, and the surgical applications for forceps.
After completing this section, you should be able to:
- Identify the four most common types of forceps used in veterinary surgery and describe their surgical applications.
- Explain the physical characteristics that distinguish tissue forceps from dressing forceps.
- List the common ways that thumb forceps are used in veterinary surgery.
- Describe how thumb forceps, when used improperly, can cause tissue trauma.
- Demonstrate the proper grip and hand, wrist, and arm "posture" for efficient use of thumb forceps during routine suturing.
- State the purpose of "stowing" forceps and explain when this maneuver is used during surgery.
- Demonstrate how to transition forceps between the "stow" position and the "use" position.
- Describe how thumb forceps are used to help needle penetration and extraction from tissue during suturing.