Surgical Instruments commonly used during a Nephrectomy (kidney removal surgery). These may vary slightly depending on whether the procedure is open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted, but many core tools remain the same:
1. Cutting and Dissecting Instruments
Scalpel (No. 10 or No. 15 blade) – for initial incision
Metzenbaum scissors – for fine tissue dissection
Mayo scissors – for cutting thick tissue or fascia
Laparoscopic scissors – for minimally invasive approaches
2. Grasping and Holding Instruments
Allis forceps – to grasp soft tissue
Babcock forceps – to hold the ureter or kidney tissue without crushing
DeBakey forceps – for vascular and delicate tissue handling
Laparoscopic graspers – in lap/robotic procedures
3. Clamping and Occluding Instruments
Hemostats (e.g., Kelly, Crile forceps) – to clamp small vessels
Satinsky clamp – to control larger vessels like renal vein/artery
Bulldog vascular clamps – for temporary clamping of renal vessels
Laparoscopic clip appliers (Hem-o-lok, titanium clips) – to ligate vessels and ureter
4. Retracting and Exposing Instruments
Army-Navy retractors – for superficial retraction
Balfour retractor – self-retaining retractor for deep exposure (open surgery)
Kidney retractor – specialized for kidney surgeries
Laparoscopic fan retractors – to retract organs like bowel
5. Suturing and Stapling
Needle holder (e.g., Mayo-Hegar) – for suturing vessels or fascia
Laparoscopic needle drivers – for internal suturing
Endoscopic stapler – for cutting and sealing vessels/tissues
Absorbable/non-absorbable sutures – for closing tissues
6. Suction and Irrigation
Yankauer suction tip – for open surgeries
Laparoscopic suction-irrigator – for fluid management in minimally invasive cases
7. Energy Devices
Electrocautery (monopolar or bipolar) – for cutting/coagulating
Harmonic scalpel or LigaSure – ultrasonic or vessel-sealing device used in laparoscopic/robotic nephrectomy
8. Other Specialized Instruments
Trocar and cannulas – for laparoscopic port access
Specimen retrieval bag – to remove the kidney intact
CO₂ insufflator – to create pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic surgery
Robotic surgical instruments (if robot-assisted, like Da Vinci system)
Disposable Products Used in Nephrectomy Surgery
1. Sterile Drapes and Gowns
Surgical drapes (kidney drape set)
Sterile surgical gowns for all OR staff
2. Sutures and Ligatures
Absorbable sutures (e.g., Vicryl, PDS)
Non-absorbable sutures (e.g., Nylon, Prolene)
Suture needles
3. Suction and Irrigation Supplies
Suction tubing and canisters
Irrigation fluids (normal saline)
Laparoscopic suction/irrigation tips
4. Laparoscopic & Robotic Tools
Disposable trocars and cannulas
Laparoscopic clip appliers (e.g., Hem-o-lok)
Endoscopic stapler cartridges
CO₂ insufflation tubing and filters
Disposable suction/irrigation probes
Specimen retrieval bags (EndoCatch or similar)
5.Catheters & Drainage
Foley catheter (urine drainage)
Ureteral catheter or stent (if placed)
Surgical drains (e.g., Jackson-Pratt, Blake)
Drain collection bags and tubing
CVC Triple Lumen Catheter
Femoral Catheter
Guide Wire
Hemodialysis Catheter
Introducer Needle
