Suture Scissors Explained: How Stitch-Removal Designs Differ from Operating Scissors

What is the difference between surgical scissors and suture scissors?

Operating scissors, such as Mayo or Metzenbaum patterns, are made to cut tissue, sutures during surgery and dressings, with blunt or rounded tips so they do not pierce structures in the wound. Their blades are broad and the instrument is balanced for deliberate cuts in a surgical field.

Suture scissors are shaped to slide under a stitch at the skin surface. One blade is usually narrower, hooked or beaked so that it can pick up the thread, and the other cuts it against it. They are smaller and lighter, designed for quick, controlled snips in the ward or clinic, and are not meant to cut tissue.

Surgical scissors for suture removal: Spencer and Littauer designs

The Spencer stitch scissors have a small hook or notch on the lower blade, which engages the thread and lifts it while the upper blade cuts. The Littauer design is angled with a sharp, pointed lower tip that slides beneath the stitch, often used in dermatology and plastic surgery. Spelling varies in catalogues, and searches for littler scissors surgical usually refer to the Littauer design.

Choose a model that matches the type of suture and the wound. Fine plastic closures need small, light scissors, while larger wounds on the trunk or limbs may need a longer one. The shape and length of the handle also matter for comfort, particularly when removing many stitches in one session.

• Hooked or beaked lower blade to pick up the thread.
• Light, short pattern for facial and fine skin work.
• Angled or curved shape to see the thread against the skin.

Surgical scissors for cutting sutures during an operation

During surgery the scrub nurse or the assistant cuts sutures with scissors designed for that purpose, often a straight Mayo or a longer curved Metzenbaum style. Suture-cutting scissors should have sharp blades that do not crush or fray the suture, and a length matching the depth of the wound. In deep cavities longer scissors keep the surgeon's hand out of the field.

REDA's scissors range includes standard operating scissors, Metzenbaum, Mayo and Mayo-Stille, DeBakey, Potts-Smith and Dietrich vascular scissors, Lister bandage scissors, iris and micro scissors, SuperCut saw-edge and TC versions. Whether a specific stitch-removal pattern is available should be confirmed against the current catalogue. See also curved vs straight surgical scissors and the surgical scissors types article.

Single-use versus reusable stitch scissors

Single-use stitch-removal scissors and sets are widely used in wards and emergency departments because they eliminate reprocessing and cross-contamination. Reusable scissors are more economical for high volume and are suitable for a clinic that has a validated reprocessing route. The choice is mostly a question of workflow, volume and waste policy.

Whichever you choose, do not use suture scissors as general-purpose scissors or for cutting dressings, which dulls them quickly. For a wider discussion see disposable vs reusable surgical instruments.

Care and buying checklist

Inspect the blade contact and the tips before each use. Reusable scissors should be cleaned with the blades open, dried thoroughly and tested on a thin test material. Dull scissors tug on the thread and cause pain; sharpening or replacement should be planned. Ask the supplier about the repair and sharpening service.

If you want to equip a clinic or ward, Beckfinity can help you shortlist scissors and set quantities from the REDA range. Please confirm current MOHAP, DHA or DOH requirements for the facility.