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When I first stepped into the operating room as a student nurse, I was amazed—and honestly, a little overwhelmed—by all the shiny tools which are called surgical instruments laid out on the Mayo stand. Scissors, forceps, clamps, retractors… they all looked the same to me at first!
But don’t worry, you’re not alone if you feel that way too.
Let me walk you through the basic surgical instruments you’ll commonly see in the OR. This guide is based on my own learning experience, so I’ll explain it the way I wish someone explained it to me back then.
1. The Three Main Categories of Surgical Instruments
Surgical instruments are usually grouped based on what they’re used for. Here are the big three:
🟦 Cutting and dissecting – like scissors and scalpels
🟩 Grasping and holding – like forceps and needle holders
🟥 Retracting and exposing – like retractors
Once you understand these categories, it becomes easier to remember what each instrument does.
2. Scalpels – The First Cut
Let’s start with the scalpel, because it’s often the first instrument used in surgery. It’s basically a handle with a blade at the tip.
📌 Common blades:
- #10 blade – curved, used for large incisions
- #15 blade – small and curved, perfect for delicate work
- #11 blade – sharp and pointed, used for precise stab incisions (like in laparoscopic surgery)
I used to mix them up a lot, but the more surgeries you see, the more familiar they become. Pro tip: Watch how the scrub nurse loads the blade on the handle—it takes finesse!
3. Scissors – Not Just for Cutting Gauze
There are different scissors for different tasks. Here are the ones I see the most:
✂️ Mayo Scissors – sturdy, used to cut tougher tissues like fascia
✂️ Metzenbaum Scissors (Mets) – thinner and longer, used for delicate tissues
✂️ Suture Scissors – used at the end of surgery to cut sutures or remove them during wound care
When you hear the surgeon say “Mets, please,” it’s usually time for some gentle dissection.
4. Forceps – Think of Them Like Surgical Fingers
Forceps are used to hold or pick up tissue. There are two types: with teeth and without teeth.
👆 Tissue forceps with teeth (like Adson forceps) grip the tissue firmly and are used on skin.
🤏 Dressing forceps (without teeth) are used for delicate tissue or during dressing changes.
I remember being told: “Teeth for skin, smooth for within.” That rhyme stuck with me ever since!
5. Clamps – The Silent Helpers
Clamps are like the superheroes of hemostasis (stopping bleeding). They come in many shapes, but here are the basics:
🩸 Mosquito clamps – small, for clamping tiny vessels
🩸 Kelly clamps – medium-sized, very common in general surgery
🩸 Crile clamps – look like Kellys but have full serrations
You’ll often hear surgeons ask for “a clamp” during bleeding. That’s your cue to pass the right one—so learning the difference really matters!
6. Needle Holders – For Suturing Like a Pro
Needle holders do exactly what they sound like: hold the suture needle.
🧵 Mayo-Hegar needle holders are most commonly used.
They look like scissors but have a strong grip in the middle to hold the needle securely.
Watching a surgeon tie sutures with speed and precision is like watching art. One of my favorite things is learning how different surgeons hold their needle holders—it’s almost like handwriting, everyone has their own style.
7. Retractors – Opening the View
Retractors help the surgical team see inside the body better. Some are handheld (used by the assistant) and some are self-retaining (stay in place).
🔍 Common retractors you’ll hear:
- Army-Navy – a double-ended handheld retractor
- Senn Retractor – small and used for superficial surgeries
- Weitlaner – a self-retaining one that “locks open” and gives you hands-free exposure
In my early days, I thought retractors were just “pulley tools,” but they actually play a huge role in keeping the surgical field visible and safe.
8. Suction Tips – Keeping the Field Clear
Surgeons can’t see clearly if there’s blood or fluid in the way. That’s why suction tips are part of basic instruments too.
💨 Yankauer – rigid suction used for larger volume
💨 Frazier tip – thin, angled suction for precise areas (like neuro or ENT surgery)
I used to get nervous holding suction in place during surgery, but the key is to follow the surgeon’s movements and avoid touching sterile areas with the tubing.
9. Specimen Cups, Bowls, and Basins – Not Glamorous, But Essential
Not all instruments are sharp and shiny. Some are simple—but just as important.
🧼 Kidney basins – catch used gauze or fluids
📦 Specimen containers – used when the surgeon sends tissue for testing
🫗 Graduated bowls – collect fluids for irrigation or counting blood loss
Trust me, don’t overlook these. I once had to improvise during a C-section when the specimen container wasn’t ready, and let’s just say… I learned fast!
Why Learning Basic Surgical Instruments Matters
At first, I thought my job was just to hand instruments over. But it’s more than that. Knowing your tools helps the surgery go smoother, makes the surgeon’s job easier, and most importantly—keeps the patient safe.
The more you practice, the more you’ll recognize patterns. Eventually, you’ll anticipate what the surgeon needs next. That’s when you’ll feel truly confident in the OR.
My Final Tips for Learning Surgical Instruments
💡 Start with flashcards – visuals help!
💡 Watch surgeries on YouTube or in real-time and pause to identify tools
💡 Ask your scrub nurses—they’re full of knowledge and love to teach
💡 Label diagrams in your own words to make them stick
And here’s a big one: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
You’ll hand over a Kelly when they asked for a Crile. You’ll confuse Metzenbaum with Mayo scissors. But guess what? We’ve all been there. What matters is that you keep learning.
Surgical instruments might seem intimidating at first, but once you get to know them, they become part of your rhythm. As a scrub or circulating nurse, you’re not just passing tools—you’re part of a life-saving team.
So take it one instrument at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be anticipating requests, recognizing surgeon preferences, and maybe even teaching someone else one day.
Keep Growing in the OR
Recommended Resources
- Ultimate Guide to Surgery Instruments – Types, Uses, and Materials This comprehensive guide breaks down surgical instruments by category, function, and material—ideal for learners who want to understand not just the “what,” but the “why” behind each tool.
- 54 Basic Surgical Instruments, Their Medical Uses, and Images Perfect for visual learners, this resource offers clear images and practical descriptions of 54 essential instruments, grouped by function to help reinforce recognition and usage.
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