An ideal retractor system for reconstructive surgery of the abdominal wall: Taking the weight off your assistant

Abstract

Following bariatric surgery, body-contouring surgery is often combined with reconstruction of the musculofascial layers of the abdominal wall. Large amounts of tissue have to be retracted from the start to assist in lymph and venous drainage, and to facilitate a lower abdominal incision. During the procedure a good retractor is indispensable. The Rultract retractor system was originally developed for thoracic surgery. We have found this system, which is readily available in most centres, to be a suitable retractor in difficult post-bariatric surgery, where the patient requires abdominal wall reconstruction in combination with a dermolipectomy. It can be easily adjusted to a wide variety of desired positions without obstructing the surgeon's range of action and replaces the need for one or more assistants in the operating team.