Gynecology Instruments Names and Uses Explained by Function

Gynecology instruments names: speculums and retractors

Vaginal specula open the vagina to show the cervix. Common types are the bivalve Cusco speculum, used in routine examination, the Pederson and Collin specula, which have narrower blades for patients with a small vaginal opening, and the Sims speculum, a single-blade instrument used for the posterior vaginal wall in repair work. Weighted and side-wall retractors serve vaginal surgery.

Specula come in sizes, normally small, medium and large, and in metal (reusable) or plastic (single-use) versions. For a general clinic, stock all sizes of at least the Cusco type.

When reading a catalogue, look at the blade length, the width of the opening and the way the blades are locked. A small difference in blade design can change how well the cervix is seen, and a poor locking mechanism is a common reason for complaints from nurses.

Holding, grasping and measuring

Tenaculum forceps have sharp points and grip the cervix, usually the anterior lip, to stabilise it during dilation, curettage or insertion of a device. Ring or sponge forceps hold swabs for cleaning, and Allis and similar tissue forceps hold tissue in surgery. A uterine sound is a thin graduated rod that measures the depth and direction of the uterine cavity before an intrauterine procedure.

Sounding is an important safety step; it is the reason why sounds appear in almost every gynecology set. They are listed in the REDA gynecology instruments range alongside tenaculum and biopsy forceps.

• Tenaculum: grips the cervix
• Sponge or ring forceps: hold swabs
• Uterine sound: measures cavity depth and direction
• Tissue forceps: hold tissue during surgery

Dilators, curettes and biopsy instruments

Hegar uterine dilators are a graduated set of rods used to widen the cervical canal in steps. Curettes, such as the Recamier type, have a loop or spoon-shaped head to scrape tissue from the uterine wall, and aspiration curettes are used with suction. Biopsy punch forceps take a small sample of the cervix or other tissue, and ovum forceps remove tissue fragments from the cavity.

These items form the core of the D&C tray described in our guide to the gynecology instruments set and the dedicated article on the D&C instrument set.

Dilators and curettes are sold in graduated series, so check that the set covers the sizes your department uses and that the numbering follows one system, for example a sequence in millimetres.

Obstetric and surgical instruments

Obstetric forceps such as Simpson and Wrigley are used by obstetricians to assist delivery in particular situations. Scissors, needle holders, clamps and retractors from general surgery complete the sets for hysterectomy, repair and caesarean section. Laparoscopic gynecology uses a different family of long-shaft instruments.

The same REDA gynecology section also contains urology and proctology instruments such as Dittel dilating bougies, metal catheters, rectal specula, proctoscopes and anoscopes, which can appear on the same page of a catalogue and should not be confused with gynecologic items.

For caesarean section and repair sets, add surgical instruments with clear names: scissors for tissue, scissors for sutures, needle holders of the right size, and artery or tissue clamps. Each should be named on the tray list so the count can be done quickly.

Pictures, lists and how to use this reference

Searches for gynecology instruments lists as a PDF or with pictures are common. The best source is the manufacturer's current catalogue, because shapes and codes vary. Use this article to understand the names, then match them to the pictures in the catalogue you are buying from. Our related guide covers instruments for examination.

Beckfinity can send a product list and a quotation for gynecology instruments. Contact our team to request one.

If you need training material for new staff, ask the supplier whether a laminated instrument card or an illustrated list for the set can be provided with the delivery.