Self-retaining retractors in head and neck surgery

Area of Science:

• Surgical Instrumentation
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Thyroid Surgery

Background:

• The Norfolk and Norwich retractor is a key instrument in head and neck surgical procedures.
• It is integrated into standard neck dissection instrument sets.
• The retractor aids in the training of junior surgeons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the utility of the Norfolk and Norwich retractor in head and neck and thyroid surgery.
• To emphasize its role in improving surgical exposure and trainee education.

Main Methods:

• Clinical application and observation of the Norfolk and Norwich retractor during neck dissections and thyroid surgeries.
• Evaluation of its effectiveness in providing exposure to the carotid sheath.
• Assessment of its impact on surgical incision types and trainee experience.

Main Results:

• The retractor provides excellent, atraumatic exposure of the carotid sheath.
• It facilitates a single skin incision, avoiding complex junctions, particularly in post-irradiated necks.
• It reduces the need for manual retraction in thyroid surgery, benefiting assistant surgeons and trainees.

Conclusions:

• The Norfolk and Norwich retractor is a valuable tool for head and neck and thyroid surgery.
• Its design enhances surgical exposure, simplifies procedures, and improves surgical training.
• It is recommended for inclusion in standard surgical instrument sets for neck dissections.