[Disposable isostatic anal retractor: results of a clinical assessment]

In this paper the authors present the technical characteristics and clinical results of a new anal retractor designed and produced by them. This new instrument, made of disposable material, allows the proctologist to operate completely alone thanks to a system of rotating rings which are fixed directly to the patient's legs by means of Velcro bands. Twenty consecutive patients with proctological diseases have been operated on to date with the new device. No complications were registered in our series. The rotation movement and overall stability of the retractor were judged sufficient in 6 cases and good in 14. Opening of the device proved asymmetrical in 20% of the cases without this affecting the surgical technique. Our surgical team considered the prototype ideal, and the operative space available to the surgeon much greater than with previous retractor models. No limitations have been observed in treating any of the proctological diseases. The possibility of performing sutures in the anal canal was judged to be good. In conclusion, our new anal retractor would appear to guarantee greater autonomy in proctological surgery with much better clinical and therapeutic results and lower costs.