Human bodies are quite complicated. They have so many organs, blood vessels, tissues, muscles, and bones tightly packed together to function as a whole. During surgery, this complex structure is explored by using surgical instruments. Surgical instruments make it easier to perform multiple tasks that would be impossible only by using hands. They increase the chance of the success of the surgery. There are many different kinds of surgical instruments. Some are used to grab the tissues, while others help in cutting them. In this article, we will learn about surgical retractors.
Surgical retractors are used to retract tissues, skin, bones, or organs in order to reach the surgical site. They help in increasing the view of the surgical site. They provide an atraumatic retracting process and keep the surrounding tissues safe from harm. They keep the incision or wounds open during the surgery.
Handheld
Handheld surgical retractors require a person to hold them the whole time during the surgery. They come with either finger ring handles or long round hands. Some also have malleable structures to easily adjust in narrow surgical sites.
Self-Retaining
Self-retaining retractors are easy to use as they can be fixed in one place easily. They keep the wound or incision open on their own during the surgery. They do not require someone to hold them.
Types:
There are many types of surgical retractors. Each type is designed to be used in a specific surgical procedure.
-
Abdominal Retractor
Abdominal retractors help in retracting abdominal tissues. There are both handheld and self-retaining retractors available for use during abdominal surgeries. For example, Collin Abdominal Retractor, Franz Abdominal Retractor, Gosset Abdominal Retractor, Fritsch Abdominal Retractor, and Balfour Abdominal Retractor.
-
Bladder Retractor
Bladder retractors retract tissues, skin, and organs to expose the surgical site during bladder surgeries. They are easy to use and maneuver. They are made from stainless steel that makes them strong and durable—for example, Judd Masson Retractor.
-
Cardiovascular and Thoracic Retractors
These retractors provide an atraumatic retraction of massive tissues during cardiovascular and thoracic procedures. They move the muscles aside to make it easier to see the surgical site. For example, Israel Retractor and Allison Lung Retractor.
-
Eye Retractors
Our eyes are sensitive organs. These eye retractors provide an atraumatic retraction of soft and delicate tissues without causing any harm to them. They are used to retract the eyelid, iris, and lacrimal sac. For example, Desmarres Lid Retractor, Lacrimal Sac Retractor, and Mcgonnon Iris Retractor.
-
Neck Rake Retractors
Neck Rake Retractors are used during plastic surgical procedures to retract tissues. They feature blunt and sharp prongs. You can get either one, two, or three prongs to retract tissues.
-
Gynecological Retractors
Gynecological retractors are used for examining the cervix and vagina. They help in getting access to the deep surgical sites. Some of them also come with a nylon coating for use during LEEP/LLETZ procedures. For example, LEEP/LLETZ Redundant Wall Vaginal Retractors, Eastman Vaginal Retractors, Jackson Vaginal Retractors, Sims Vaginal Retractors, and Doyen Vaginal Retractors.
Can Surgical Retractors Also Retract Bones?
Yes, some retractors like Finochietto Rib Spreader are made to retract ribs during thoracic procedures.
Where can I find surgical retractors?
You can get all these surgical instruments at affordable prices from GerMedUSA Inc. We have a wide range of high-quality handheld and self-retaining surgical retractors at economical prices. They are manufactured with premium-grade German stainless steel. They are autoclavable and can be reused after sterilization.
Interesting Related Article: “Elements to Consider When Purchasing Surgical Instruments“