What are surgical instruments called?

Surgical instruments are collectively called surgical instrumentation or operative instruments. Individual instruments are usually identified by functional names such as scalpels, scissors, forceps, clamps, retractors, needle holders, probes, curettes, and suction instruments.

Many instruments combine an eponym with a functional description. Mayo scissors, Kelly forceps, Babcock forceps, DeBakey forceps, and Richardson retractors are examples named partly after the surgeon or developer associated with their design. Additional terms describe the instrument’s characteristics, including straight, curved, toothed, atraumatic, fenestrated, self-retaining, or disposable.

Surgical instrument names may indicate:
• The instrument’s operative function
• Its tip, jaw, or handle design
• The anatomical area where it is used
• The relevant surgical specialty
• Whether it is manual, powered, reusable, or disposable

Precise nomenclature is important in procurement, operating-room communication, instrument tracking, sterilization, and tray assembly. Instruments with similar names may have different lengths, jaw patterns, tip geometries, or clinical applications. Hospitals and distributors should therefore identify products using the complete instrument name, size, pattern, material, intended use, and manufacturer reference number.