Hand swab

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Stalk swab or stalk refers to a swab that is clamped in a grasping forceps .

function

This allows very precise dabs when stopping bleeding without restricting the field of vision too much (due to thick fingers) or endangering the hands (due to the presence of cutting instruments ). The "handle" is usually a very long pair of forceps / grasping forceps, so you can work precisely at great depth. These swabs are usually only used once and then exchanged (by the person carrying out the instrument ).

Atraumatic surgery

In addition, one must consider that hemostasis is only possible with dry swabs, but on the other hand the dry swab immediately sticks to the peritoneum and traumatizes this sensitive skin. It is therefore very useful to use a swab that is as large as possible adapted to the size of the area to be dabbed.

particularities

In Germany, only radiologically marked swabs have been allowed to be used since 2001 , this also applies (although clamped) to the stalk. For this purpose, contrasting threads are woven into all swabs and cloths, which are immediately noticeable on X-ray images. So the surgeon on suspicion can not "undo again" check whether a swab or instrument is left in the body, may also in postoperative complications are more easily determine the cause.