forceps,pl. forceps [L, pair of tongs] , a pair of any of a large variety and number of surgical instruments, all of which have two handles or sides, each attached to a dull blade. The handles may be joined at one end, such as a pair of tweezers, or the two sides may be separate to be drawn together in use, such as obstetric forceps. Forceps are used to grasp, handle, compress, pull, or join tissue, equipment, or supplies. Kinds include thumb forceps, Adson-Brown forceps, Magill forceps, Kocher’s forceps, suture forceps, tying forceps.
