Practically every doctor who performs medical or diagnostic manipulations needs certain tools. For many years of practice, metal devices have proven themselves more, but recently plastic ones have been introduced, which ensure strict sterility. However, this choice still depends on the conditions of use. So, for example, both disposable and reusable Volkmann spoons are used equally, which will be discussed in this article.
Description
This tool is a simple design consisting of a handle located in the center and spoon-shaped branches of different diameters extending from it in both directions (2 and 4 mm). The first part is thicker, unlike the ends, and often has a rough surface. This is necessary first of all to prevent it from slipping out of the hands of the doctor, since before the study, he must put on latex sterile gloves. The metal analogue is used repeatedly, and therefore it is constantly necessary to maintain its sterility. So, a reusable Volkmann spoon is being processed, for which, immediately after use, itsoaked in a disinfectant chlorine solution, and then washed a second time with a brush and placed in an autoclave. Plastic ones are subject to recycling and subsequent destruction, and therefore they are made from cheap materials. However, since the gynecological instruments are in contact with the delicate, easily traumatized mucous membrane of the genital tract, they are made of white polystyrene, atraumatic and non-pyrogenic.
Use in gynecology
Perhaps, the greatest number of instruments is required by doctors of gynecological and surgical specializations, as well as otorhinolaryngologists. However, in the first area of medical practice, there are differences regarding work in a hospital or clinic. Thus, the activities of the gynecological office of the outpatient clinic are mainly aimed at early diagnosis of diseases and preventive examinations, and therefore disposable instruments are more often used in it. First of all, the most necessary of them is the Volkmann spoon, which is used to take many tests. So, with its help, samples of the secrets of the mucous membrane of the urethra, vagina and cervix are taken, which makes it possible to identify venereal, urological, oncological and non-specific inflammatory diseases of the genital tract. Their diagnosis is carried out both according to the indications and complaints of the patient, and prophylactically.
Some gynecological tests
One of the most important tests is a smear for oncocytology, for which, in particular, a gynecological spoon is usedVolkman. During this test, it captures the epithelium of the cervical canal, and then it is applied to the prepared glass slide for histological examination. This is how cervical cancer and its precancerous conditions - erythroplakia, leukoplakia and polyps are detected. Another analysis for which the Volkmann spoon is used is the purity smear. In the process of this study, an assessment of the microbiocenosis of the vagina is carried out, which greatly helps in identifying inflammatory diseases of the genital tract and identifying a specific pathogen or group thereof. To do this, three strokes are taken with soft sliding movements: from the external opening of the urethra, the mucous membrane of the vagina and the cervix. Next, they are applied to three glass slides, marked with the letters "U", "V" and "C", respectively.
Use in surgery
Volkmann's spoon is a tool that has another scope. In particular, it is used by surgeons to clean bones from remnants of pathological soft tissues. In this area, it has the name "sharp bilateral bone spoon" (one-sided is the Bruns spoon). Unlike diagnostic purposes, in therapeutic manipulations, several other instruments are used that have a sharp cutting edge of the working part, this is necessary for thorough scraping of tissues. So, for example, in surgery, spoons are used in the treatment of osteomyelitis or in case of bone injuries, and in gynecology - in operations to remove polyps, endometrium during abortion and placental remnants in case of herincrements.
