WOUND RETRACTORS
What are the features and uses of wound retractors?
Good exposure is one of the requisites of successful surgery.
Instruments designed specifically to improve exposure are called wound retractors. These can be hand-held or self-retaining.
The Handle of the retractors is held by the assistant, the retracting end is usually at a right angle to this. It is smooth, rounded with no sharp corner or edge to avoid injury to the tissues.
The choice of the retractor can be estimated from the depth to which this retracting end can go.
The varieties in use are as follows:
&l Langenbeck
; Ollier
& Morris
& Kelly
& Deaver
& Lloyd-Davies
Self-retaining retractors, i.e.
Travers,
Norfolk,
Norwich,
Balfour,
Alms and
Jolls have at least two blades joined by a hinge joint or bar. It is thus possible to create lateral pressure against both margins of the wound.
This helps to retain the retractor in position throughout the duration of the operation.
