Scissors are essential instruments, especially for performing dermatologic surgery. Scissors are used for cutting, blunt dissection, and stabilization of tissues between the blades. They are often preferred over scalpels as they offer more accurate removal of tissues. Surgical scissors come in different forms depending on their design and function, such as Mayo scissors, Iris scissors, Bandage scissors, Stitch Removal scissors, etc.
What are Stitch Removal Scissors?
Stitch Removal scissors, also known as suture removal scissors, are an improved version of surgical scissors designed to remove stitches or sutures after the surgical intervention or once the wound has healed.
Design and structure:
Hook: It features a small hook on one tip that slides under the sutures to slightly lift the suture before removal. The hook also holds the suture firmly to prevent any slippage before cutting.
Blades: The blades come in two varieties: straight or curved, depending upon the time of surgical treatment. Some versions feature a suture groove at the distal end of one of the cutting blades, which prevents slipping off the scissor blades.
An important feature is the slim design of one of the blades to ensure easy placement under the ligation. It further facilitates precise suture removal while avoiding pressure on the postoperative scar or excessive force on the suture.
Length: The length of the suture typically varies from 9 to 15 cm.
Types of Surgical Stitch Removal Scissors:
There are many types of Suture Removal scissors. Most of them are named after the scientists who invented them. For example, Littauer Stitch scissors, Spencer Stitch scissors, Metzenbaum or Gradle scissors, North bent stitch Scissors, Health Suture scissors, and many more.
How to Handle Stitch Scissors?
- Check the tips of the scissors to remove stitches before each procedure to prevent damage to deeper structures.
- Hold the blades vertically to the suture while the knot is kept entirely within the blades.
- Use the outer third of the blade for a deeper cut.
- Do not use other kinds of scissors to remove stitches because this may spring the blades and damage the cutting edges.
- Introduce the scissors into the operative field by the assistant following the second hitch when a knot is tied using three hitches.
- Stabilize the scissors manually or through a stable surface while performing deep cutting in a wound.
- Discard suture material immediately after cutting to keep the operative area organized and contamination-free.
- Cut the suture with care and patience; jabbing or snapping may result in suture breakage or tissue trauma.
Conclusion:
Stitch Removal scissors play a significant role in wound management by helping in the safe and precise removal of sutures. They feature a hooked tip and slim blades that allow accurate suture removal. By selecting the right type of Surgical Stitch Removal scissors and their appropriate use, surgeons can improve the healing process to a great extent.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What kind of scissors are used for stitch removal?
Stitch Removal or Suture Removal scissors are used to remove stitches in surgery.
What are the other names of Stitch Removal scissors?
Suture removal scissors, straight mayo scissors, or Metzenbaum scissors are the other names of Stitch Removal scissors.
What is a Stitch scissor?
Stitch scissors are surgical scissors designed to remove stitches or sutures after the surgical intervention.
How to use the Suture scissor?
Suture scissors are used differently than standard scissors, and their handling must follow a specific protocol.
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