Utility of an atraumatic self-retaining ring retractor in pediatric surgery

The Protractor is a self-retaining ring retractor used mainly for minilaparotomies in adults. We report our positive results of using this retractor in pediatric surgery. We performed surgery with the aid of the Protractor in 57 pediatric patients aged from 1 day old to 16 years old. The Protractor allowed a wide operative view and did not cause any major complications. It was especially useful for Kasai's portoenterostomies and ureteroneocystostomy (Cohen's repair). In neonatal surgery, the Protractor not only provided a wide operative view, but also prevented the washing fluid from overflowing onto the covering sheet. In appendectomy, the Protractor protected the surgical wound from contaminated ascites and the appendix. The Protractor is a very useful tool for assisting with various abdominal operations in infants and children.