Denis Browne Tonsil Holding Forceps

This instrument is used in tonsillectomy operations.

Uses

Tonsil holding forceps are used to hold the tonsil during tonsillectomy. The tonsil is grasped gently and then pulled medially. This step helps hold the tonsil away from its bed to facilitate dissection and prevent injury to structures in the bed of the tonsil.

Identifying the instrument

Tonsil holding forceps are long and sturdy with the shaft bent at an angle to the handle. The tips are cup-shaped with holes.

The instrument is very similar to the Luc’s forceps used in septal surgeries. To differentiate the two, examine the tips of the forceps. The edges of the tips are smooth in tonsil holding forceps, their job is to just hold tissue, whereas the edges of the tips are sharper in the case of Luc’s forceps because they have to do some cutting.

Also, the cup-shaped tip of the upper arm fits into the tip of the lower arm in the case of tonsil holding forceps.

Additional information

• The tonsils are located in the tonsillar fossa bounded anteriorly by the anterior pillar or the palatoglossal fold and posteriorly by the posterior pillar or the palatopharyngeal fold.
• The bed of the tonsil is made of the superior constrictor muscle which is separated from the tonsil by connective tissue that forms the plane of dissection in tonsillectomy.
• The carotid artery is located about 2.5cm deep to the bed of the tonsil.

Was this post helpful? Do you have more questions? Leave a comment to tell us what you think.