Description
Retractors can be used to actively separate the edges of a surgical incision or wound, or can hold back underlying organs and tissues, so that body parts under the incision may be accessed.
Sharp retractors are better at providing a secure grip and they can safely hold back the skin, muscles, fascia, tendons, or the periosteum but they may damage vessels, nerves, the peritoneum, glands or cysts. Blunt retractors are recommended when iatrogenic injury is a concern. The main benefit of blunt retractors is that they prevent unintended injury to the tissue held by the retractor or to the underlying tissue.