diff --git a/code/__DEFINES/obj_flags.dm b/code/__DEFINES/obj_flags.dm
index e1c99ec249..8566571928 100644
--- a/code/__DEFINES/obj_flags.dm
+++ b/code/__DEFINES/obj_flags.dm
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@
 #define NODROP					(1<<8)		// This flag makes it so that an item literally cannot be removed at all, or at least that's how it should be. Only deleted.
 #define ABSTRACT				(1<<9) 	// for all things that are technically items but used for various different stuff
 #define IMMUTABLE_SLOW          (1<<10) //When players should not be able to change the slowdown of the item (Speed potions, ect)
+#define SURGICAL_TOOL			(1<<12)	//Tool commonly used for surgery: won't attack targets in an active surgical operation on help intent (in case of mistakes)
 
 // Flags for the clothing_flags var on /obj/item/clothing
 
diff --git a/code/modules/surgery/surgery.dm b/code/modules/surgery/surgery.dm
index c9a3871511..b013e7f252 100644
--- a/code/modules/surgery/surgery.dm
+++ b/code/modules/surgery/surgery.dm
@@ -49,9 +49,14 @@
 
 	var/datum/surgery_step/S = get_surgery_step()
 	if(S)
-		if(S.try_op(user, target, user.zone_selected, user.get_active_held_item(), src, try_to_fail))
-			return 1
-	return 0
+		var/obj/item/tool = user.get_active_held_item()
+		if(S.try_op(user, target, user.zone_selected, tool, src, try_to_fail))
+			return TRUE
+		if(iscyborg(user) && user.a_intent != INTENT_HARM) //to save asimov borgs a LOT of heartache
+			return TRUE
+		if(tool.item_flags & SURGICAL_TOOL) //Just because you used the wrong tool it doesn't mean you meant to whack the patient with it
+			to_chat(user, "<span class='warning'>This step requires a different tool!</span>")
+			return TRUE
 
 /datum/surgery/proc/get_surgery_step()
 	var/step_type = steps[status]
diff --git a/code/modules/surgery/tools.dm b/code/modules/surgery/tools.dm
index 517dfb412a..db7445e0b0 100644
--- a/code/modules/surgery/tools.dm
+++ b/code/modules/surgery/tools.dm
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 	icon = 'icons/obj/surgery.dmi'
 	icon_state = "retractor"
 	materials = list(MAT_METAL=6000, MAT_GLASS=3000)
+	item_flags = SURGICAL_TOOL
 	flags_1 = CONDUCT_1
 	w_class = WEIGHT_CLASS_TINY
 
@@ -33,6 +34,7 @@
 	icon = 'icons/obj/surgery.dmi'
 	icon_state = "hemostat"
 	materials = list(MAT_METAL=5000, MAT_GLASS=2500)
+	item_flags = SURGICAL_TOOL
 	flags_1 = CONDUCT_1
 	w_class = WEIGHT_CLASS_TINY
 	attack_verb = list("attacked", "pinched")
@@ -66,6 +68,7 @@
 	icon = 'icons/obj/surgery.dmi'
 	icon_state = "cautery"
 	materials = list(MAT_METAL=2500, MAT_GLASS=750)
+	item_flags = SURGICAL_TOOL
 	flags_1 = CONDUCT_1
 	w_class = WEIGHT_CLASS_TINY
 	attack_verb = list("burnt")
@@ -102,6 +105,7 @@
 	righthand_file = 'icons/mob/inhands/equipment/tools_righthand.dmi'
 	hitsound = 'sound/weapons/circsawhit.ogg'
 	materials = list(MAT_METAL=10000, MAT_GLASS=6000)
+	item_flags = SURGICAL_TOOL
 	flags_1 = CONDUCT_1
 	force = 15
 	w_class = WEIGHT_CLASS_NORMAL
@@ -151,6 +155,7 @@
 	throw_speed = 3
 	throw_range = 5
 	materials = list(MAT_METAL=4000, MAT_GLASS=1000)
+	item_flags = SURGICAL_TOOL
 	attack_verb = list("attacked", "slashed", "stabbed", "sliced", "torn", "ripped", "diced", "cut")
 	hitsound = 'sound/weapons/bladeslice.ogg'
 	sharpness = IS_SHARP_ACCURATE
@@ -209,6 +214,7 @@
 	righthand_file = 'icons/mob/inhands/equipment/medical_righthand.dmi'
 	hitsound = 'sound/weapons/circsawhit.ogg'
 	throwhitsound =  'sound/weapons/pierce.ogg'
+	item_flags = SURGICAL_TOOL
 	flags_1 = CONDUCT_1
 	force = 15
 	w_class = WEIGHT_CLASS_NORMAL
@@ -278,6 +284,7 @@
 	desc = "A container for holding body parts."
 	icon = 'icons/obj/storage.dmi'
 	icon_state = "evidenceobj"
+	item_flags = SURGICAL_TOOL
 
 /obj/item/organ_storage/afterattack(obj/item/I, mob/user, proximity)
 	. = ..()