Mayo scissors are sturdy surgical scissors with semi-blunt, broad blades. They cut heavier tissue such as fascia and muscle, and straight Mayo scissors are the traditional choice for cutting sutures. Most surgical sets contain at least one pair of each version.
In short
Use curved Mayo scissors to dissect heavier tissue, and straight Mayo scissors to cut sutures and tougher material. Keep delicate scissors such as Metzenbaum away from sutures so their edges last.
Straight Mayo scissors#
Straight Mayo scissors give a clean, predictable cut and are strong enough to cut sutures repeatedly without damage. They are often called “suture scissors” and are usually kept on the scrub nurse’s tray for this purpose. They are also used to cut tissue near the surface of a wound.
Curved Mayo scissors#
Curved Mayo scissors are used to cut and dissect thick, tough tissue such as fascia, muscle and the uterus. The curve allows the tips to be seen and the scissors to follow tissue planes.
| Version | Main use | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Mayo | Sutures, superficial tissue | Delicate dissection |
| Curved Mayo | Fascia, muscle, heavy tissue | Delicate tissue, fine work |
Lengths and variations#
Mayo scissors are commonly made in lengths of about 14 to 17 cm, with longer versions (sometimes called Mayo-Harrington) of 23 cm and more for deeper work. Tungsten carbide versions, with gold handles, stay sharp longer and are a good investment for scissors used on sutures every day.
Mayo or Metzenbaum?#
The quickest way to tell them apart is to compare the blades and handles. Mayo scissors have shorter handles and broader, sturdier blades. Metzenbaum scissors have longer handles and slimmer blades. Using a Metzenbaum pair on sutures is one of the most common reasons it dulls early.
Quality checklist
- The blades cut cleanly along their full length, right to the tips.
- The action is smooth, with even tension.
- The screw is flush and secure.
- The finish is smooth, without burrs.
Frequently asked questions#
Why are straight Mayo scissors used for sutures?#
They are strong, give a clean cut, and their edges tolerate suture material better than delicate dissecting scissors.
Are Mayo scissors sharp or blunt?#
The cutting edges are sharp, but the tips are rounded (semi-blunt) to reduce the risk of puncturing tissue.
Can Mayo scissors be used on dressings?#
It is better to use bandage scissors for dressings and keep Mayo scissors for surgical use.
Order Mayo scissors from Gami Surgical#
Gami Surgical manufactures straight and curved Mayo scissors, including tungsten carbide versions, in Sialkot, Pakistan, and delivers worldwide. Send us your list for a quote.
