What is the primary purpose of a dilator in surgical procedures?

The primary purpose of a dilator in surgical procedures is to enlarge an opening. Dilators are specifically designed tools used to expand a passage, such as an anatomical opening, to facilitate access or to prepare the site for further surgical interventions. This is particularly important in procedures where a particular area needs to be widened to allow for instruments, suturing, or the insertion of tubes.

Other tools serve different functions: for instance, cutting instruments are designed to incise tissue, while holding instruments are used to stabilize other tools or tissue during surgery. Cauterizing devices, on the other hand, are utilized to burn tissue to stop bleeding or to remove unwanted biological material. Hence, the function of the dilator is distinct and critical in ensuring that sufficient space is created for safe and effective surgical access.