Introduction to Types of Surgical Instruments and Buying Guide

According to reports, over 300 million surgical procedures are performed worldwide each year. Each of these procedures requires dozens of surgical instruments—from simple tools such as forceps and surgical blades to advanced devices. The quality of these instruments has a direct impact on the success of the surgery and patient safety. On this page, you will learn about the types of surgical instruments, their applications, and tips for purchasing and maintenance.

What are surgical instruments and what types do they have?

Surgical instruments are tools used in surgical procedures for cutting, suturing, grasping tissue, controlling bleeding, and performing various stages of treatment. Each of these instruments has a specific design and is made for a particular purpose.

In general, surgical instruments are divided into two main groups:

  • General surgical instruments: Used in most procedures, such as surgical blades, forceps, scissors, and clamps.
  • Specialty surgical instruments: Designed for specific surgeries such as laparoscopy, orthopedics, or obstetrics and gynecology

List of Common General Surgical Instruments Used in the Operating Room

General surgical instruments are used in all operating rooms and are essential for various stages of a surgery. These instruments are divided into five main groups, each with a specific function during the procedure. Below, each group is introduced along with common examples.

1. Cutting & Dissecting Instruments

These instruments are used to cut skin, muscle, soft tissue, and sometimes bone. Their precision and sharpness are very important because even the slightest dullness can prolong the procedure or damage the tissue.

  • Scalpel: Used for precise cutting of skin and tissue. Blades #10 and #15 are very common in general surgeries such as appendectomies or removing skin lesions, while larger blades like #23 are used for more extensive surgeries.
  • Surgical Scissors: Used for cutting sutures, dressings, or tissue. Sharp-tip scissors are suitable for precise internal cuts such as in vascular surgery, while blunt-tip scissors are typically used for cutting dressings or skin sutures.
  • Surgical Saw: Used in surgeries that require cutting bone, such as orthopedic procedures or jaw surgery. Small manual saws are used in delicate surgeries, while larger saws are used for more extensive cuts.

2. Grasping & Holding Instruments

These instruments help the surgeon firmly grasp tissue or sterile items or hold them in place so that his/her hands are free.

  • Surgical Forceps: Toothed forceps are used for a firmer grip on thick tissues such as skin or muscle, while non-toothed forceps are suitable for holding more delicate tissues such as blood vessels.
  • Tissue Forceps: Used to grasp and hold soft tissue such as the intestine without damaging it.
  • Needle Holder: Used to hold the suturing needle so the surgeon can stitch with precision.
  • Allis Clamp: Widely used in procedures that require pulling or holding tissue, such as abdominal and pelvic surgeries.

3. Clamping & Occluding Instruments

This group of instruments is used to temporarily close blood vessels and prevent bleeding during surgery.

  • Hemostat: The most commonly used clamp for stopping bleeding and is present in nearly all surgeries. This instrument is available in various sizes, from delicate ones for small vessels to large ones for major blood vessels.
  • Vascular Clamp: Used when a large vessel such as an artery needs to be temporarily closed during heart or vascular surgery.
  • Intestinal Clamp: Used to temporarily block sections of the intestine during gastrointestinal surgeries.
  • Kocher Clamp: Has strong serrations and is used to grasp tougher tissues such as tendons or firm muscles.

4. Retracting & Exposing Instruments

These instruments help the surgeon keep the surgical site open and have a better view of the operative area.

  • Hand-held Retractor: This type of retractor must be held by an assistant. For example, the skin retractor is used to retract the skin, and the Richter retractor is used to retract deeper tissues.
  • رتراکتور خودکار (Self-retaining Retractor): این مدل نیاز به دستیار ندارد و پس از باز کردن محل جراحی در جای خود ثابت می‌ماند. در جراحی‌های طولانی مثل جراحی شکم بسیار مفید است.
  • Surgical Hook: A delicate instrument for retracting skin or small muscles, typically used in plastic or delicate surgeries.

۵. Miscellaneous Instruments

This group includes instruments that have a supporting role and are used to prepare the operating environment or ensure the orderliness of the procedure.

  • Suction Device: Removes blood and excess fluids from the surgical site to keep the surgeon's view clear.
  • Sponges & Pads: Used to absorb blood and fluids and keep the surgical site clean.
  • Basic Drill: Used in some general surgeries such as preparing bone for screw or pin placement.
  • Counting Tools: Used at the end of the procedure to ensure that no gauze or small instrument has been left inside the patient's body.

Introduction to Specialty Surgical Instruments

برخی جراحی‌ها به ابزارهای خاص و پیشرفته نیاز دارند که فقط در همان نوع عمل استفاده می‌شوند. این ابزارها طراحی متفاوتی دارند و برای کارهای پیچیده‌تر ساخته شده‌اند. در ادامه سه دسته اصلی از ابزارهای تخصصی را معرفی می‌کنیم که شامل ابزار لاپاروسکوپی، ارتوپدی و زنان و زایمان هستند.

Laparoscopic Surgical Instruments

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive method that uses small incisions on the abdomen to perform the procedure. In this method, instead of fully opening the abdomen, the surgeon uses a camera and narrow instruments to see and work inside the body.

Important laparoscopic instruments include:

  • Trocar: A tubular device for inserting the camera and other instruments into the abdomen.
  • Laparoscope: A delicate camera that displays the image of the inside of the body on a monitor.
  • Laparoscopic Scissors: For cutting internal tissues with high precision.
  • Laparoscopic Forceps: For grasping and moving tissue or internal organs.
  • Cautery or Electrosurgery Instrument: For cutting and simultaneously sealing vessels using electrical heat.

These instruments allow the surgeon to perform procedures such as gallbladder removal or ovarian cyst treatment without making large incisions.

Orthopedic Surgical Instruments

Orthopedic surgeries are performed on bones, joints, and ligaments and require strong, durable instruments. These instruments must be able to withstand pressure and impact.

Common orthopedic instruments:

  • Powered and Manual Surgical Saws: For cutting bone in procedures such as joint replacement or fracture repair.
  • Surgical Drill: For drilling bone and preparing it for placing screws, pins, or prostheses.
  • Bone Forceps: For grasping and holding bone fragments during the procedure.
  • Surgical Mallet: For seating joints or stabilizing prostheses.
  • Bone Clamp: For securely holding bone or other instruments during surgery.

These instruments help the surgeon repair fractures and reconstruct damaged structures.

Obstetrics and Gynecology Surgical Instruments

Obstetrics and gynecology surgeries, especially specialized procedures such as cesarean sections or removal of uterine masses, require more delicate instruments specific to this field.

Commonly used obstetrics and gynecology instruments:

  • Speculum: For holding the vaginal walls open and examining the cervix.
  • Uterine Clamp: For controlling bleeding and grasping uterine tissue.
  • Curette: For removing tissue or taking samples from the uterus.
  • Delivery Forceps: To assist in delivering the baby during difficult labors.
  • Gynecological Laparoscopic Instruments: Such as trocars and scissors, used in specialized gynecological surgeries.

These instruments help the physician perform surgeries related to the female reproductive system with greater precision and safety.

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Purchase and Pricing of Surgical Instruments – What Factors Are Influential?

The price of surgical instruments depends on various factors, and knowing these helps buyers make a better choice. Below, we review the most important factors that affect the price of surgical instruments.

1. Material and Raw Materials

The raw materials used to make the instrument play a primary role in its quality and price. Surgical instruments are typically made from stainless steel, titanium, or special alloys.

  • Instruments made from titanium are lighter and have greater resistance to corrosion, but they also have a higher price.
  • Stainless steel is the most common material for instrument manufacturing and creates a good balance between quality and price.

2. Manufacturing Quality and Production Precision

Instruments made with more precise technology and higher standards have a longer lifespan and perform better during surgery.
For example, forceps with a polished surface and no unwanted sharp edges are both easier to work with and cause less tissue damage. This production precision increases the final price.

3. Brand and Country of Origin

Well-known global brands typically manufacture higher quality instruments with a warranty.

  • Instruments manufactured in countries such as Germany, Japan, and the USA have higher prices due to more advanced technology.
  • Instruments manufactured in developing countries such as China or Pakistan typically have lower prices but may have less durability and precision.

4. Instrument Type and Technology Level

Simple instruments such as surgical blades or forceps have lower prices because their production is simpler.
In contrast, advanced instruments such as laparoscopes or surgical drills have much higher prices due to their electronic components and complex design.

5. Order Volume and Bulk Purchase

Bulk purchasing typically reduces the final price per unit.
Hospitals and healthcare centers that purchase a large volume of instruments can receive greater discounts.

6. Import Costs and Currency Fluctuations

Imported instruments are affected by exchange rates and customs fees. An increase in the exchange rate directly raises the final price of these products.

7. Domestic Market Conditions

Sometimes changes in demand, stock shortages, or the country's economic conditions cause sudden price changes for surgical instruments. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for certain medical instruments increased and prices rose quickly.

Maintenance and Sterilization of Surgical Instruments to Extend Lifespan

Surgical instruments are among the most expensive medical equipment, and any damage or contamination can pose a serious risk to the patient. If these instruments are maintained properly, their useful life increases and hospital costs are also reduced. Moreover, strictly following disinfection and sterilization steps prevents the transmission of infection between patients. Below, we explain the maintenance and sterilization steps for surgical instruments step by step.

1. Immediate Initial Cleaning After Surgery

After the procedure, any remaining blood and tissue on the instruments must be cleaned immediately. Drying of these materials on the instrument can cause rust, staining, and even reduce the instrument's effectiveness.

  • At this stage, the instrument is washed with cold or lukewarm water to remove blood and surface contaminants.
  • Hot water should never be used for initial cleaning, as it will cause blood proteins to coagulate and stick to the instrument's surface.
  • For delicate instruments such as micro scissors or laparoscopic instruments, soft brushes and gentle movements should be used to avoid damaging their surface.

2. Using Specialized Detergents

After initial cleaning, the instrument must be cleaned with medical detergents. These substances are specifically designed for surgical equipment and, unlike household detergents, do not damage the stainless steel or titanium surface.

  • Detergents should have a neutral or slightly alkaline pH. Acidic detergents can cause metal corrosion.
  • Using ultrasonic cleaning machines removes fine particles and hidden contaminants in the instrument crevices. These machines create vibrations using sound waves and remove contaminants without the need for mechanical abrasion.

3. Initial Disinfection

After washing, the instruments must be disinfected to eliminate most surface microbes and viruses.

  • This step is usually performed with medical disinfectant solutions, which must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Some hospitals use automatic washer disinfectors, which perform washing and disinfection simultaneously.
  • Initial disinfection reduces the microbial load and prepares the instrument for the next stage, which is sterilization.

4. Complete Drying

Residual water on the instrument can lead to rust and corrosion. Drying must be done carefully:

  • Dry the instruments using warm air or special drying cabinets.
  • For delicate instruments, use a lint-free towel or cloth to avoid scratching.
  • Make sure that hinges, crevices, and joints of the instrument are completely dry.

5. Sterilizing Surgical Instruments

استریل کردن یعنی نابودی کامل تمام میکروارگانیسم‌ها و اسپورها. رایج‌ترین روش استریل کردن ابزار جراحی استفاده از اتوکلاو است.

  • The autoclave uses steam at a temperature of 121 to 134 degrees Celsius and high pressure.
  • Instruments should be arranged inside the autoclave in such a way that steam reaches all parts of them.
  • Instruments that cannot withstand high temperatures, such as some laparoscopic devices, are sterilized using chemical methods or ethylene oxide gas.
  • Sterilization time and temperature must be precise; insufficient time or temperature will leave microbes behind, while excessive time or temperature may damage the instrument.

6. Inspection and Quality Control Before Packaging

Before final packaging, each instrument must be individually inspected to ensure it is in good condition:

  • Blades and scissors: Must be sharp, smooth, and without nicks.
  • Forceps and clamps: Must open and close easily without sticking.
  • The presence of rust, scratches, or cracks, no matter how small, means the instrument must not be used.

This step helps prevent defective instruments from returning to the operating room and minimizes the risk of error.

7. Sterile Packaging

After sterilization, the instrument must be placed in special sterile packaging.

  • The packaging is usually made of multi-layer materials to prevent the entry of microbes and moisture.
  • Labeling on each package, including the sterilization date and instrument type, is essential.
  • Standard packaging ensures that the instrument remains completely sterile until its next use.

8. Proper Storage Conditions

The storage area for surgical instruments must meet standard conditions:

  • The environment must be dry, clean, and well-ventilated.
  • Stable temperature and low humidity prevent rusting and deformation of the instruments.
  • Instruments should not be placed in direct sunlight or in contact with chemicals.
  • Proper shelving helps prevent instruments from striking against each other and becoming damaged.

Important Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Instruments

  • Always clean and sterilize instruments according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Do not use household or acidic detergents.
  • Repair or replace damaged or dull instruments promptly.
  • Periodic training for Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) staff improves the quality of instrument maintenance.
  • Periodic recording and tracking of washing and sterilization processes helps standardize the work.

Medical Equipment, Hospital Supplies, and Surgical Instruments

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Purchase Surgical Instruments from Pishdad Teb

  • Pishdad Teb Roozhan began its activity in the field of medical equipment in 2014 and over the years has focused on providing surgical instruments and hospital supplies with the highest level of quality and standards. With extensive experience in supplying, designing, and implementing healthcare projects, this company is now recognized as one of the reliable suppliers of surgical equipment in the country.

    Pishdad Teb services include:

    • Supply of surgical instruments and equipment with authenticity and quality guarantee
    • Full equipping of hospitals and healthcare centers
    • Specialized consulting for selecting instruments suitable for each center's needs
    • Design and implementation of medical equipment layout
    • Participation in supplying capital medical equipment
    • Provision of home care equipment
    • هتلینگ بیمارستانی و خدمات پشتیبانی

    One of the successful projects of Pishdad Teb Roozhan is the complete equipping of Erfan Niayesh Hospital, which included 20 operating rooms, 250 inpatient beds, four intensive care units, and an emergency department with over 20 beds. This project is an example of Pishdad Teb's capability in managing and executing large and specialized projects.

Advantages of purchasing from Pishdad Teb

Choosing a reliable supplier for purchasing surgical instruments is very important. Pishdad Teb, by offering diverse services and full support, has created conditions that allow healthcare centers and hospitals to procure their equipment with confidence. Some of the most important advantages include the following:

  • Guarantee of product authenticity and international standards
  • Online purchasing option for fast and easy access
  • Free specialized consultation before purchase
  • Receive product catalog for more detailed review before ordering
  • After-sales support and services to ensure optimal equipment performance

Ways to contact Pishdad Teb

For purchasing, consultation, or obtaining more information, you can use the following methods:

Contact center:
021-91005979
021-22655140

Email:
info@pishdadteb.com

Business hours:
Saturday to Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Head Office:
Tehran, Park Way, across from Parsian Esteghlal Hotel, Mahmoodiyeh neighborhood, corner of Ordibehesht Street, No. 27, Monaco Building, 3rd floor

With Pishdad Teb's services, the process of obtaining surgical instruments becomes simple and reliable. From product selection to final purchase, everything is available to you. You can order online, receive free consultation from our experts to choose the best equipment, and request the complete product catalog if needed.

برای تجهیز یک اتاق عمل یا راه‌اندازی یک بیمارستان کامل، پیشداد طب این امکان را فراهم کرده است که به‌راحتی و بدون دردسر به ابزار جراحی باکیفیت و استاندارد دسترسی داشته باشید.

Selecting and purchasing surgical instruments is one of the most important steps in equipping healthcare centers. The quality of these instruments directly affects the surgeon's precision, patient safety, and the final outcome of the procedure. Familiarity with the types of general and specialty instruments, knowledge of proper maintenance and sterilization methods, and awareness of factors influencing price help hospital managers and physicians make more informed decisions.

Pishdad Teb, by offering standard surgical instruments, online purchasing, specialized consultation, and product catalogs, has created conditions to make the process of selecting and supplying equipment simpler and more reliable. These services enable healthcare centers to access high-quality instruments without worry and always use their equipment with confidence.

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