---
title: "Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy Instruments"
description: "ENT notes on Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy Instruments - Identification, Uses, Advantages & Disadvantages."
source: "The ENT Resident"
author: "Dr. Mausumi Das"
canonical_url: "https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/tonsillectomy-instruments-adenoidectomy"
categories: ["Instruments in ENT"]
video: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD5yWaa3fe0"
image: "https://media.theentresident.com/og-images/tonsillectomy-instruments-adenoidectomy.png"
---

# Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy Instruments

ENT notes on Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy Instruments - Identification, Uses, Advantages & Disadvantages. Watch the full video lecture on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD5yWaa3fe0

## 🛠️ Instruments Used in Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

In this post, we’ll discuss the **important instruments used in tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy**, focusing on:
- Identification  
- Appearance  
- Uses  
- Viva points and precautions  

This topic is **high yield for practical exams and instrument spotting**.

---

### 1️⃣ Boyle & Davis Mouth Gag

#### Identification

- A **self retaining mouth gag**

- Consists of **two parts**:
  - **Boyle’s blade** (interchangeable sizes based on age)
  - **Davis’s gag** with ratchet mechanism

> How is the Boyle & Davis mouth gag used in Tonsillectomy procedure?

#### Uses

- Tonsillectomy (Dissection and snare method)
- Adenoidectomy
- Oral and oropharyngeal surgeries
- Palatal surgeries (cleft palate repair)
- Craniovertebral junction surgeries

> What are the Advantages of Boyle & Davis mouth gag?

> What precautions should you take while using Boyle & Davis mouth gag?

---

### 2️⃣ Draffin’s Bipods and Magauren's Plate

#### Identification

- **Metallic bipod stand** with multiple rings
- **Magauren's plate** used as base support

#### Description

- Bipods attach to Boyle & Davis mouth gag
- Lower ends fixed into Magauren's plate
- Maintains neck extension (Rose’s position)

> What is Rose's position?

#### Uses
- Fixes mouth gag securely
- Maintains exposure during:
  - Tonsillectomy
  - Adenoidectomy
  - Oral, oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal surgeries

---

### 3️⃣ St. Clair Thompson Adenoid Curette

#### Identification
- Available in **two types**:
  - With cage
  - Without cage

> Describe how you will use the St. Clair Thompson Adenoid Curette while performing Adenoidectomy?

#### Uses

- **Primary instrument for adenoidectomy**

> When do you use the St. Clair Thompson Adenoid Curette with cage and without cage? What is the purpose of each?

> What precautions should you take while using St. Clair Thompson Adenoid Curette?

---

### 4️⃣ Denis Browne Tonsil Holding Forceps

#### Identification

- Angular forceps
- Atraumatic blunt jaws

#### Description

- Resembles Luc’s forceps but:
  - Jaws are blunt
  - No cutting edges

#### Uses

- Hold tonsil at upper pole & pull tonsil medially during dissection

> What is the advantage of Denis Browne Tonsil Holding Forceps?

---

### 5️⃣ Waugh's Tonsil Dissecting Forceps

#### Identification

- Spring joint forceps
- Interlocking dissecting tips

#### Uses

- Incision between tonsil and anterior pillar
- Dissection from upper to lower pole
- Can hold swab for pressure over bleeding points

---

### 6️⃣ Mollison Tonsillar Dissector and Pillar Retractor

#### Identification

- **Double ended instrument**

#### Uses

- **Dissector end (rounded)**  

  - Blunt dissection of tonsil from tonsillar fossa
  - Define plane between tonsil and superior constrictor

- **Retractor end (broad, curved)**  

  - Retract anterior pillar
  - Check for bleeding points
  - Look for tonsillar tags or retained gauze

---

### 7️⃣ Eve’s Tonsillar Snare

#### Identification

- Long cylindrical instrument
- Stainless steel wire loop 
- Sliding mechanism with finger rings

> What is the size of the wire loop in Eve’s Tonsillar Snare?

#### Uses

- Snaring and removal of tonsil at **lower pole**

> Describe how Eve's tonsillar snare is used during Tonsillectomy?

> What is the mechanism by which Eve’s Tonsillar Snare works?

> What amount of blood loss is normal during Tonsillectomy?

---

### 8️⃣ Negus Tonsil Artery Forceps

#### Identification

- Long, slender hemostatic forceps
- Curved blunt jaws
- Fine transverse serrations

#### Uses

- Clamps bleeding vessels in tonsillar fossa
- Prevents slippage and tissue trauma

---

### 9️⃣ Negus Ligature Slipper and Knot Tier

#### Identification
- Long rod-like instrument
- Forked distal end with central groove

#### Uses
- Guides ligature over artery forceps
- Facilitates secure vessel ligation

> Describe how Negus Ligature Slipper and Knot Tier is used during Tonsillectomy.

---

### 🔟 Yankauer Suction Cannula

#### Identification

- Curved metal tube

- Rounded tip with:
  - One central opening
  - Multiple side holes

#### Uses

- Suction of blood and secretions during:

  - Tonsillectomy
  - Adenoidectomy
  - Palatal surgeries
  - Airway procedures

#### Advantages

- Rounded atraumatic tip
- Curved shape avoids visual obstruction
- Long length keeps surgeon’s hand away
- Multiple holes prevent blockage

---

## 📌 Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy Instruments - Summary Table

| Instrument | Primary Use |
| --- | --- |
| Boyle & Davis mouth gag | Oral cavity exposure |
| Draffin’s bipods & Magauren's Plate | Fix mouth gag |
| St. Clair Thompson curette | Adenoidectomy |
| Denis Browne forceps | Hold tonsil |
| Waugh's forceps | Incision & dissection |
| Mollison Tonsillar Dissector and Pillar Retractor | Blunt dissection |
| Eve’s Tonsillar snare | Lower pole removal |
| Negus Tonsil Artery Forceps | Clamp vessels |
| Negus Ligature Slipper and Knot Tier | Ligature placement |
| Yankauer cannula | Suction |

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## About This Note

This free ENT note on Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy Instruments was written by Dr. Mausumi Das and is paired with a corresponding video lecture.

Canonical page of this note: https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/tonsillectomy-instruments-adenoidectomy

When citing or referencing this content, please credit The ENT Resident and link to the canonical page above.

## Related Notes by Category

- Instruments in ENT: https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/category/instruments-in-ent.md

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