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Surgical Scissors: Mayo, Metzenbaum, Iris and More, and When to Use Each

2026-11-01 · Kotina MFG Company

Scissors are precision cutting instruments, and using the right pattern for the right tissue protects both the patient and the instrument.

Main types Mayo scissors, straight and curved, are heavy and used to cut tough tissue such as fascia, muscle and suture material (the straight pattern is often used for cutting sutures, the curved for tissue). Metzenbaum scissors are long and light, with thin blades for delicate dissection of tissue planes in abdominal and vascular surgery; they should never be used to cut wire or heavy sutures. Iris scissors are small, sharp and fine, for eye, plastic and fine dissection work. Suture scissors have a hook or blunt tip to cut stitches without damaging skin. Bandage scissors have a blunt, angled lower blade to cut dressings safely.

Why they matter A scissors that crushes instead of cutting damages tissue and slows healing. Correct blade alignment and sharpness mean a clean cut with minimal force.

Quality points to check The blades should close smoothly from heel to tip with no gap and no catching; the screw should be tight with no sideways play; the cutting edges should be free from nicks; tungsten-carbide (TC) blade versions stay sharp much longer. Test by cutting a single layer of thin gauze: it should cut cleanly along the whole length of the blade.

Care, cleaning and sterilization (IFU summary) Always follow the Instructions For Use (IFU) supplied with the instrument and your hospital's sterile-processing protocol. In general: rinse off blood and tissue promptly, never let them dry; open all box-locks and ratchets; clean with a neutral or enzymatic detergent and a soft brush (no steel wool or chlorine bleach); rinse with demineralized water; dry completely; lubricate hinges with an instrument-grade milk; then sterilize by a validated steam (autoclave) cycle. Inspect before every use and remove any instrument that is bent, cracked, stained, or has misaligned tips.

Never use delicate scissors on dressings, wire, or other hard materials; keep dedicated pairs for each task.