Which instrument is typically used to manage bowel during abdominal surgery?

The instrument commonly used to manage bowel during abdominal surgery is clamps. Clamps are designed to occlude or grasp tissues securely, which is crucial when handling bowel. When performing procedures on the abdomen, such as resections or anastomoses, managing the bowel effectively is essential to prevent spillage of contents, maintain visibility, and ensure proper manipulation. By clamping segments of the bowel, the surgical team can control the area being worked on, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring a clearer surgical field.

While scalpels, scissors, and forceps have their specific roles in surgery, they are not primarily intended for managing bowel. Scalpels are used for making incisions, scissors for cutting tissues or sutures, and forceps for grasping or holding tissues. These tools serve important functions, yet they do not provide the same level of control over bowel tissue as clamps do. Thus, clamps are the preferred choice for bowel management in abdominal surgery.