AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the AST Surgical Technologist Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions; each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready to succeed!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What instrument is specifically used to remove the cornea during a keratoplasty?

Scalpel
Trephine
Forceps
Laser

The correct answer is: Trephine

The instrument specifically used to remove the cornea during a keratoplasty is the trephine. This specialized instrument is designed with a circular blade that allows for a precise and uniform cut, creating a round opening in the cornea. This technique is crucial during keratoplasty, which involves transplanting a new cornea to replace a damaged or diseased one. The trephine ensures that the cut edges of the cornea are smooth and even, which is essential for optimal healing and integration of the new tissue. Its design allows for consistency in the size and shape of the corneal graft, facilitating a better postoperative outcome. While the scalpel could be used for initial incisions in various surgical contexts, it does not provide the same precision and uniformity in circular cuts that the trephine offers. Forceps are generally utilized to grasp or manipulate tissue, but they do not have cutting capabilities appropriate for corneal excision. Lasers can also be used in some modern surgical procedures involving the eye, but they are not the primary choice for directly excising the cornea during traditional keratoplasty procedures. This highlights the specialized role of the trephine in corneal surgery, making it the correct answer for this question.