Skip to main content

Russian Tissue Forceps

Non-locking thumb forceps with broad, cupped tips and radial serrations. The Sklar 19-2280 model is an 8-inch reusable thumb forceps described for thicker tissue and wound closure.[1][5]

The cited cupped model uses radial serrations rather than a 1×2 tooth interlock. Excess squeeze or traction can injure tissue despite the different grip mechanism.[2][3][5]

Design​

  • Tip: the cited Sklar 19-2280 has a wide, slightly concave disc with fine radial serrations on the grasping surface.[5]
  • Shaft: heavier than Adson, lighter than Bonney.
  • Sizes: catalog model 19-2280 is 8 inches (203 mm); other models require their own catalog check.[5]
  • Material. Sklar 19-2280 is reusable, nonsterile stainless steel and can be steam sterilized.[5][8] Merit Sterile 96-2295M is a separate sterile, single-use 6-inch stainless-steel model.[7]

Mechanism​

The cupped serrated platform provides a broad contact area and grip without a prominent penetrating 1×2 tooth.[5] Compression and shear remain possible.

Comparison with Other Tissue Forceps​

FeatureRussianDeBakeyAdson (toothed)BonneyGerald
Tip shapeRound, cup-shapedLong, narrow, taperedShort jaws, narrow tipsWide, heavyFine, delicate
Grasping surfaceRadial serrations on cupped tipLongitudinal fine serrations1×2 interlocking teethModel-specific prominent teethSmooth, toothed or fine serrations by model
Tissue traumaCompression/shear possibleCompression/shear possibleTooth puncture possibleTooth puncture possibleCompression/shear or tooth puncture possible
Grip strengthDepends on tissue and pressureDepends on tissue and pressureDepends on tissue and pressureDepends on tissue and pressureDepends on tissue and pressure
Best forThick-tissue and wound-edge handling, including eversion[5][6]Vascular, delicate tissueSkin, fasciaHeavy fascia, skin closureMicrosurgery
Typical urologic useBladder, ureter, fascia retrieval, flap handlingVascular pedicles, renal hilumSkin closureFascial closureVasal / nerve anastomosis

Key Uses in Reconstructive Urology​

  • Ureteral surgery. For selected gentle outer-wall handling during reconstruction, limit ureteral dissection to preserve blood supply[9] and avoid excessive squeezing that can cause crush trauma.
  • Bladder surgery. Cystotomy closure, augmentation cystoplasty, diverticulectomy; useful for everting the bladder edge during running closure.
  • Fascial harvest. Retrieving the rectus or fascia lata strip during pubovaginal sling harvest.
  • Reconstructive flaps. Perineal and gluteal flap handling.
  • Tunica albuginea. Gentle handling during Peyronie's plaque incision / grafting and penile-prosthesis implantation.
  • Renal pelvis / adjacent tissue. Selected broad handling when exposure permits; avoid assuming a cupped tip is safe on renal parenchyma.
  • Suturing assistance. The broad flat tip is well-suited for everting tissue edges during interrupted or running closure, a workflow advantage prized in urologic and GI anastomoses.

Limitations​

  • Not for very delicate tissue. Microsurgery, vasal anastomosis, and nerve repair require finer Gerald or jeweler's forceps.
  • Dense fascial closure. If the Russian cup slips during abdominal-wall fascial closure, Sklar’s Bonney 19-2170 with 1×2 teeth offers a toothed purchase; use only the pressure needed for grip.[6][10]
  • Wide tip can obscure the field in confined spaces or microsurgical work.
  • Excessive squeezing still causes crush injury.[3] Experimental force-limiting endoscopic forceps have been studied in canine lung tissue.[4]

Practical Tips​

  • Use a pencil grip for tissue handling, including heavier-tissue work.[6]
  • Use the broad tip to gently evert tissue edges toward the surgeon during suture placement. This is the design's signature workflow advantage.
  • Use only the pressure needed for controlled purchase and release the forceps between maneuvers rather than holding one site continuously.[6]
  • Pair with a Mayo-Hegar or Castroviejo driver, Russian in the non-dominant hand for tissue manipulation and eversion.

Historical Context​

Russian-pattern forceps are a longstanding named member of the broader spring-forceps family discussed in instrument histories. The cupped serrated tip remains a practical option for selected tissue handling, with grip and injury dependent on the actual model and force.[1][2][3][5]

See also: DeBakey, Adson, Bonney, Gerald.

References​

1. Kirkup J. "The history and evolution of surgical instruments. VII. Spring forceps (tweezers), hooks and simple retractors." Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 1996;78(6):544–52. PMID 8943642

2. Cheng L, Hannaford B. "Evaluation of liver tissue damage and grasp stability using finite element analysis." Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin. 2016;19(1):31–40. doi:10.1080/10255842.2014.981166

3. Chandler JH, Mushtaq F, Moxley-Wyles B, et al. "Real-time assessment of mechanical tissue trauma in surgery." IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 2017;64(10):2384–93. doi:10.1109/TBME.2017.2664668

4. Sakaguchi Y, Sato T, Yutaka Y, et al. "Development of novel force-limiting grasping forceps with a simple mechanism." Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2018;54(6):1004–12. doi:10.1093/ejcts/ezy216

5. Sklar. Russian tissue forceps model 19-2280, 8-inch cupped radially serrated tip. Manufacturer catalog; not a clinical comparative study.

6. Wéber G, Lantos J, Borsiczky B, et al. Basic Surgical Techniques. University of Pécs Medical School, Department of Surgical Research and Techniques; 2008:27. PDF.

7. Sklar. Merit Sterile Russian Tissue Forceps model 96-2295M, 6-inch disposable. Manufacturer catalog.

8. Sklar. Stainless Steel Surgical Instruments: Recommended Care & Cleaning Instructions. Manufacturer processing guide, MKF970.04 Rev. 03; 2023.

9. Bourillon A, Peyronnet B, McGuire BB, et al. "Ureteral stricture: current treatment algorithm and key surgical principles in the robotic upper urinary tract reconstruction era." World J Urol. 2026;44(1):102. doi:10.1007/s00345-025-06181-4

10. Sklar. Bonney tissue forceps model 19-2170, 7-inch, 1×2 teeth. Manufacturer catalog.