During surgery, if the surgeon needs scissors to cut thick fibrous tissue, which ones should the ST hand off?

When a surgeon requires scissors to cut thick fibrous tissue, the best choice would be curved Mayo scissors. These scissors are specifically designed for cutting tough and dense tissues, making them ideal for procedures involving thick fibrous material. Unlike other types of scissors, curved Mayo scissors have wider blades and are more robust, allowing for greater force application and efficiency when cutting through challenging tissue types.

Metzenbaum scissors are better suited for more delicate tissue dissection rather than for cutting thick fibrous tissues, as they are specifically designed for finer cuts. Blunt dissecting scissors are primarily used for separating tissues rather than cutting, and while sharp dissecting scissors can cut, they are typically intended for softer tissues. Therefore, for the task of cutting thick fibrous tissue, the curved Mayo scissors are the most appropriate instrument to provide the surgeon with the necessary cutting capability.