Surgical Instruments: A Guide for MBBS Students

Below is a brief description of a few surgical instruments commonly used by doctors. A good surgery course would discuss these in detail.

1.      Scalpel: This instrument is pivotal for creating the initial incision, and cutting tissues and used for various other surgical procedures. This instrument consists blade and a handle. The blades are numbered as per the thickness of the blade. 

2.      Surgical Scissors: Surgical scissors have multiple roles to play in surgery. It is used for cutting tissues, specimens, and dissections. The blade of the scissor has various shapes, like straight, as well as curved with different degrees of curvature. This instrument is used for cutting heavy and finer structures. 

3.      Forceps: This instrument is the primary grasping tool, used for holding tissue or objects. The forceps may or may not have a tooth at their tip. There are a few types of forceps: locking forceps, non-locking forceps, grasping forceps, and thumb forceps.

4.      Clamps: Another name for this instrument is locking forceps. This instrument is also classified as ratcheted and is used to hold tissue, and objects, or provide hemostasis. 

5.      Needle and suture: Needles of various shapes and sizes are used by surgeons for a varied range of applications. Sutures or surgical thread are available in both absorbable and non-absorbable variations, along with varied levels of thickness. 

6.      Retractors: This instrument is for holding an incision open, and holding back tissues or objects so that the surgeon can have a clear view and can operate on a clean surgical field without any problem. The retractors are either hand-held or self-retaining, with the latter one powered by a ratcheting mechanism. 

To handle the list of surgical instruments mentioned above, an MBBS student must know the following:

1.      An individual should have optimum knowledge about the handling of equipment as well as personal safety measures. Proper handling of surgical equipment leads to the achievement of the goal that the surgery intended. It prevents accidents and injuries on the part of the doctors, nurses, and patients, makes surgical processes cost-effective, and helps save time. A student can learn the handling of specific surgical instruments from good books on surgery for undergrads. A good book would demonstrate applications in a step-by-step manner. Reaping the benefits of the ergonomic features of commonly used surgical equipment while at the same time maintaining sterile involvement is a prerequisite to qualifying as a skilled doctor.

2.      A comprehensive understanding of instrument sterilization and maintenance for patient safety is crucial. Sterilization always remains a concern for a surgeon, not only to prevent infections but also to achieve the desired outcome of the surgery. Alongside the handling of surgical equipment, a student should know how to chemically disinfect, autoclave, and put back the equipment into sterile packaging. There are a few good surgery courses online that teach medical aspirants about each and every instrument's sterilization process in detail. Surgery lectures for medical students that are offered by premium medical-learning platforms must be preferred. Knowledge of this aspect is vital as newer processes, equipment, and technology are invented across the world and implemented in surgical procedures regularly. With upgraded surgical equipment and its maintenance, MBBS students can look forward to internship opportunities not only in premium medical colleges in India but across the world. 

3.      Since surgery is a subject in MBBS that requires great practical skills, a student would hardly wish to skip a practical class in surgery. Missing a single class would mean that the student would miss out on practical hands-on demonstrations, tips, and tricks that help during complex surgeries, etc. However, if a student has subscribed to the best surgery lectures for medical students, that are available through online surgery courses, the student can be free from the anxiety of missing classes. Online surgery demonstrates surgical techniques, as well as proper handling of specialized surgical equipment to help a student deliver successful outcomes.