For certain patients (eg, children), topical anesthetic (eg, proprietary emulsions of 2.5% lidocaine plus 2.5% prilocaine) Sterile saline for irrigation (sterile water or clean, potable water are permissible substitutes) 35-mL and / or 60-mL syringes Irrigation shield (syringe attachment to block splashing) Plastic catheter (eg, 18 - or 19-gauge standard catheter) or commercially available splash guard device Basin Fine-pore sponge (eg, 90 pores per inch) Tissue forceps (eg, Adson forceps), tissue hook, probe, hemostat, splinter forceps (fine-tipped), and suture scissors (single blunt-tip, double sharp edge) Scalpel (#10 for large incisions, #15 for precise incisions, #11 for small stab incisions), iris scissors, or curette Wound dressing Antibiotic ointment: Topical antibiotic ointments continue to be recommended for sutured wounds because they help keep wound edges moist and prevent dressings from sticking.