Tenacula are useful instruments for grasping and holding tissue. The piercing hooks of a tenaculum can be anchored onto areas such as the cervix. The term tenaculum is derived from the Latin word “tenere” which means “to hold or grasp.” Uterine tenacula can be made of stainless steel, which makes them reusable after sterilization, or of plastic as disposable devices.

Allis forceps are instruments designed to grasp and hold structures in atraumatic fashion. Their serrated jaws contain an atraumatic tooth-like structure, which enables the surgeon to hold on to delicate structures. Both self-locking and non-self-locking forceps are available according to the surgeon’s preference.

DeBakey forceps are atraumatic forceps meant to grasp delicate tissue. The inner aspect of the tips contains microscopic, atraumatic teeth while the outer side of the instrument is normally ridged providing a better grip while handling with delicate structures. DeBakey forceps are normally straight with curved variants available for special utilization. Size can range up to 9.5 in.

Metzenbaum scissors are named after the American surgeon who first designed the instrument. Mostly known as dissecting scissor, it is an excellent tool to perform fine cuts. Models with tungsten carbide cutting edges are the most precise while cheaper models are made of stainless steel. Regardless if the blades are curved or straight, if small (4.5 in.) or large (14 in.), they typically possess a long shank or handle with a blunt-tipped scissor sorter blades. Metzenbaum scissors should not be used to cut regular sutures as they can be dulled easily.

In contrast to the Metzenbaum scissor, the Mayo scissor, named after the Mayo Clinic where it was invented, is designed to cut tougher structures. It can be used for dissecting but it is not as precise as Metzenbaum scissor. Mayo scissors can have either straight or curved blades, although they typically have semi-blunt ends. Straight-bladed Mayo scissors are also called “suture scissors” as they are amenable to cutting sutures since they do not dull as easily as other types of scissors. Curved Mayo scissors are usually used for cutting deeper thick tissue like the uterus as they allow deeper penetration into the wound. Mayo scissors can be made of titanium or stainless steel and normally range from 6 to 6 ¾ inches.

Deaver retractors are flat, thin devices with curved ends. Models can vary according to length, width, and angel of curvature. The edges of the Deaver retractor are smoothed to avoid harm to surrounding tissue.

Normally, vaginal retractors consist of a handle and a curved blade with varying lengths, widths, and angles. One of the most commonly used retractors is the Breisky–Navratil retractor, which has a ridged handle and a notch for good retraction and comfortable handling. Lighted vaginal retractors, like the Heaney–Simon or the Miyazaki retractors, have also been proposed for use in the deep pelvic surgery.