Page 12 - Manual of Equine Field Surgery

8 PRESURGICAL PREPARATION AND ASSESSMENT

(Figure 2-8, B). W11en curved forceps are used, potential for trauma, they should not be used on

they should be applied such that the tip of the skin or viscera intended to remain with the

forceps is pointing upward. patient. Sponge forceps are used to hold gauze or

other sponges to blot tissues dry from blood or

other fluid during dissection (Figure 2-10).
Grasping Forceps

A variety of forceps with a ratchet device built into Retractors

the handle are used to grasp, retract, or stabilize

larger portions of tissue. Allis tissue forceps are Retractors are essential for the display of deep

probably 011e of the more common grasping tissues during an operation. They may be hand-

forceps (Figure 2-9). They have opposing edges held or self-retracting. The retractors work by

with short teeth and relatively long "arms" and are placing a blade in front of tissues that would oth-

used to grasp fascia, subcutaneous tissue, skin, erwise reduce the visibility of the operative field

tendon, etc. Because of their short teeth and (Figures 2-11 to 2-13). Great care must be taken

,,. ,,
. \
~

Figure 2-10 Forester sponge-holding forceps. (From
Figure 2-9 Allis forceps. (Reprinted with permission

from Miltex Instrument Company, Bethpage, N.Y., Sonsthagen TF: Veterinary instruments and equipment:

2004.) a pocket guide, St Louis, 2006, Elsevier Inc.)

!~
i'ttf"
;
i
! '

) Figure 2-11 Pinger-held retractors.

A, Senn retractor. B, Mathieu retractor.

I C, Meyerding finger retractor with

various blades for gripping (shown ver-

tically). D, Farabeuf retractor. E, Parker

retractor. (Reprinted with permission
l from Miltex Instrument Company,

!?d Bethpage, N.Y., 2004.)

I '
;
'~ ~

A B c D E