Short answer: Suturing needs a needle holder to drive the needle, tissue forceps to handle skin, suture scissors to cut, and sometimes skin hooks. Choose fine instruments for the face and plastic work, standard ones for general wounds, and long ones for deep tissue.
Suturing instrument set
- Needle holder: Mayo-Hegar, Webster or Crile-Wood
- Tissue forceps: Adson toothed
- Suture scissors: Straight Mayo or iris
- Skin hook: Gentle skin handling
- Skin stapler: Fast closure option
- Suture removal kit: After healing
Basic interrupted suture
- Load needle in needle holder
- Evert skin edge with forceps
- Pass needle through both edges
- Pull suture through
- Tie knot with instrument tie
- Cut ends with scissors
- Repeat along wound
Instrument checks
- Needle holder grips needle firmly
- Forceps teeth interlock
- Scissors cut suture cleanly
- Instruments sterile
- Correct size for wound
In detail: matching instruments to wound
Facial wounds use fine sutures and fine instruments such as Webster needle holders and Adson forceps. Scalp or limb wounds may use standard Mayo-Hegar holders. Deep layers need longer instruments.
Worked example
An emergency department stocks two suture trays: a fine tray for face and hands and a standard tray for other wounds. Doctors pick the right tray quickly.
Proof box
Proof: Surgical skills curricula teach instrument ties with a needle holder and gentle skin handling with toothed forceps to reduce tissue trauma.
Frequently asked questions
What is an instrument tie? Tying a knot using the needle holder.
Which forceps are best for skin? Toothed Adson forceps.
Can I use any scissors for sutures? Use suture scissors, not fine dissecting scissors.
When are staples used? For fast closure on scalp and some surgical wounds.
Glossary
- Eversion: turning wound edges slightly outward.
- Interrupted suture: separate stitches.
- Needle holder: instrument that grips the needle.
Key takeaways
- Fine for face, standard for general
- Use suture scissors for sutures
- Check grip before use
Standards and sources
- Related: needle holders (see Needle holders: the complete guide), suture removal (see Suture removal kits: contents and buying guide)
Suture instruments from Tata Surgical
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