How To: Hold and Use Surgical Forceps, Scalpels and Suturing Needles

Step 1 How to Hold Forceps

This video shows the basic skill of holding forceps or any scissor-like instrument.

The most important things to notice here are:

1. The ring finger and thumb are placed on the rings.
2. The middle finger and index finger are supporting the shaft.

Step 2 How to Hold a Scalpel

This video shows the basic way to hold a scalpel cutting instrument.

The most important things to notice here are:

1. The scalpel is held between the thumb and the middle finger (they hold both sides of the scalpel near the blade).
2. The index finger supports the axis blade from above.
3. This holding technique gives you better control over the scalpel.

Step 3 How to Hold a Suturing Needle

This video shows the best way to hold a suturing needle with forceps.

The classic holding technique for a suture needle:

1. Hold the needle distally, one third from the jaws of the needle holder.
2. Hold the needle from its proximal end.
3. Avoid touching the needle cutting tip for fear of damaging it.

Modification for that classic technique:

1. Suturing tough tissue, e.g. muscles, demand holding the needle from its center.
2. Making deep sutures demands holding the needle from its proximal end.

Suturing Techniques

Below are the different types of sutures.

Classic Suturing

This video shows the classic method of suturing.

Horizontal Suturing

This is how you perform some horizontal suturing.

Vertical Suturing

This video outlines the process of vertical suturing.

Subcuticular (Interdermal) = Magic Sutures

This video outlines the subcuticular stitch, which are seen frequently for skin closures at cesarean sections.