Surgical Scissors Overview: Metzenbaum, Mayo, Iris & Co.

Surgical scissors look similar at first glance but are built for very different tasks. Dissecting scissors separate tissue layers, suture scissors trim suture material, bandage scissors cut through dressings. Using the wrong operating scissors damages either the tissue or the blades. This guide shows how Metzenbaum, Mayo, Iris and other scissors differ and which scissors suit which task.

Key facts at a glance

• Dissecting scissors such as Metzenbaum scissors have long shanks and short, fine blades. They cut and spread tissue.
• Mayo scissors are sturdier and intended for tough tissue such as fascia; straight Mayo scissors are often used as suture scissors.
• Iris scissors are small, pointed and very fine – for precise cuts in tight spaces, including oral surgery.
• Bandage scissors have a rounded probe tip on the lower blade so the skin is protected when cutting dressings.
• Gum scissors (e.g. Goldman-Fox, La Grange) have slim, often curved blades for work at the gingival margin.
• Super Cut and tungsten carbide (TC) stand for especially sharp or especially wear-resistant cutting edges.

Dissecting, suture and bandage scissors: three basic types

Dissecting scissors are used to cut tissue and to separate tissue layers bluntly. The closed scissors are pushed between the layers and then opened. The blades are therefore fine and usually blunt-tipped so they do not injure vessels by accident.

Suture scissors trim suture material after knotting. A robust, evenly cutting blade matters here. Fine dissecting scissors should not be used on sutures, because suture material dulls the delicate edges.

Bandage scissors cut bandages, plasters and dressings. Typical is the rounded probe tip on the lower blade, which slides under the dressing and protects the skin. Well-known patterns are Lister, Esmarch and Bruns. See our selection of bandage scissors.

The most important surgical scissors

Metzenbaum scissors

Metzenbaum scissors are the classic dissecting scissors. The ratio of long shanks to short blades allows fine, controlled work even in deep fields. They come straight and curved, mostly with blunt tips. The curved version improves the view of the cutting line. In our range you will find the Metzenbaum operating scissors and the slimmer Nelson-Metzenbaum dissecting scissors.

Mayo scissors

Mayo scissors have shorter shanks relative to the blade length and are much sturdier. The curved version is used for tough tissue such as fascia, tendons or muscle, the straight version often as suture scissors. They are too coarse for fine dissection.

Iris scissors

Iris scissors originally come from ophthalmology. They are short, have very fine pointed blades and suit precise cuts on small structures – for example in oral surgery, dermatology or plastic surgery. They come straight and curved, for example the curved iris scissors.

Potts and Castroviejo scissors

Potts scissors have angled blades, typically at angles such as 25°, 45° or 60°. They are mainly used in vascular surgery to open vessels lengthwise. Castroviejo scissors have a spring handle instead of rings and are designed for microsurgical cuts.

Sharp or blunt, straight or curved?

There are three tip combinations:

• sharp/sharp: for fine, targeted cuts and piercing small structures,
• sharp/blunt: a compromise, e.g. for sutures and superficial tissue,
• blunt/blunt: for dissection in deep fields where vessels and nerves must be protected.

Straight scissors cut along a line and suit superficial cuts and sutures. Curved scissors follow contours better and keep the cutting point visible – which is why dissecting scissors are mostly used curved.

Super Cut and tungsten carbide: what is behind them?

Super Cut describes a combination of one razor-sharp blade and an opposing blade with micro-serrations. Tissue is cut cleanly rather than crushed and does not slip out of the blades when closing. Super Cut scissors are often recognisable by black handles or a black coating.

Tungsten carbide (TC) means the cutting edges carry inserts made of tungsten carbide. They are harder than stainless steel and stay sharp longer. TC scissors are usually recognisable by gold-coloured ring handles. Both versions cost more to buy but pay off with frequent use.

Gum scissors: Goldman-Fox, La Grange & Co.

In dentistry, particularly slim scissors are used for work on the gums. Goldman-Fox scissors are straight or curved and used to trim gingiva and flap margins. La Grange scissors are double-curved and therefore also reach areas around the tooth. There are also Locklin, Kelly, Dean and Joseph patterns. Examples are the Goldman-Fox scissors standard 13 cm and the La Grange Super Cut scissors. The full range is in our gum scissors category.

Comparison chart: which scissors for which purpose?

Caring for scissors

Open scissors for cleaning so that brush and cleaning solution reach the joint area. After cleaning, lubricate the joints with a sterilisable instrument oil. Check regularly that the scissors cut cleanly along the full length of the blades. More in our guide to instrument care and reprocessing.

FAQ

What are operating scissors?

The term covers all scissors used in the operating field – mainly dissecting, suture and vascular scissors.

What is the difference between Metzenbaum and Mayo scissors?

Metzenbaum scissors are finer with relatively shorter blades; they are used to dissect soft tissue. Mayo scissors are sturdier and intended for tough tissue and sutures.

Can you cut sutures with dissecting scissors?

This is not recommended. Suture material dulls the fine edges faster. Use suture scissors instead.

How do you recognise tungsten carbide scissors?

Usually by gold-coloured ring handles. The cutting edges carry tungsten carbide inserts.

Which scissors do you need for periodontal surgery?

Gum scissors such as Goldman-Fox or La Grange are common, plus iris scissors for fine cuts. For incisions with a scalpel, read our guide scalpel blade sizes.

Our dissecting and special scissors are in the surgical scissors category. All instruments are CE marked.