Sponge Holding Forcep (Foerster / Ring Forcep)

What It Looks Like

• Handles: Scissor-like ring handles (finger rings), just like a pair of scissors or other ring-handled surgical instruments
• Shaft: Long, straight or slightly curved shaft (typically 7-12 inches / 18-30 cm)
• Jaws/Tips: Large oval or loop-shaped fenestrated (windowed) jaws at the tip - this is the most distinctive feature. The oval rings at the tip are what give it the "sponge holder" look
• Locking mechanism: A ratchet lock (box joint with teeth) along the handles to keep the jaws clamped securely
• Jaw surface: Either smooth or serrated (cross-hatched) on the inner surface of the oval loops

Why It Looks Like a "Sponge Holder"

1. Cradle and grip a folded gauze sponge or swab without tearing it
2. The fenestrated (open/windowed) oval jaw allows the sponge to be held securely but gently
3. The loop design prevents the sponge from slipping off during use

Common Names

• Foerster Sponge Forceps (most common eponym)
• Bonney Sponge Holding Forcep
• Ring Forcep
• Swab Holder
• Sponge Stick

Key Parts Summary

Uses

1. Swabbing/mopping the surgical field - holding gauze to absorb blood and fluids
2. Skin preparation - applying antiseptic solution (betadine/chlorhexidine) before surgery
3. Wound packing - packing gauze into deep cavities
4. Cervical os dilation assistance and gynecological procedures
5. Grasping friable or delicate tissues atraumatically (with smooth jaws)
6. Foreign body removal from cavities

Straight vs. Curved

• Straight jaws - for open field work, skin prep
• Curved jaws - for deeper access, gynecological use (e.g., holding the cervix, vaginal procedures)

Chimoral Forte Injection

Note: The product name is spelled Chymoral Forte (brand by Torrent Pharmaceuticals). "Chimoral Forte" is a common phonetic variation of the same drug.

Composition

Mechanism of Action

• Proteolytic action: Breaks down abnormal or damaged proteins, fibrin clots, and inflammatory exudates
• Anti-edematous: Reduces swelling by breaking down protein-rich edema fluid
• Anti-inflammatory: Decreases levels of inflammatory mediators
• Fibrinolytic: Dissolves fibrin deposits at injury sites
• Antioxidant effect: Scavenges free radicals at the site of injury

Uses / Indications

• Post-operative swelling and edema
• Wound healing after surgery
• Episiotomy (post-delivery perineal wound)
• Abdominal hysterectomy recovery
• Maxillofacial surgery recovery

• Soft tissue injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Fractures and dislocations
• Hematoma resorption

• Post-tooth extraction edema
• Peri-apical abscess
• Oral and maxillofacial inflammation

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• Sinusitis
• Bronchitis (mucolytic - thins secretions)

• Reduction of pain and swelling in any inflammatory condition

Dosage (Injection)

• Standard dose: 5,000 - 10,000 AU intramuscularly (IM), once or twice daily
• Duration: As directed by the physician, typically for 5-7 days post-surgery or injury
• Given IM only - never IV

Side Effects

• Nausea, vomiting
• Allergic reactions (rash, urticaria)
• Pain/local reaction at injection site
• Rarely: anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to trypsin or chymotrypsin
• Blood clotting disorders / anticoagulant therapy (due to fibrinolytic action)
• Liver disease
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding (use with caution, consult doctor)

Key Point

• Rapid action is needed
• Patient cannot take oral medications (post-surgery, vomiting)
• Higher bioavailability is required