The electrical hazards of fixed abdominal retractors

Abdominal retractors that are fixed to the operating table provide an electrical pathway to earth and are unsafe. Modifications to ensure the electrical safety of two table mounted abdominal retractors by the incorporation of insulators are described. Results of electrical testing show that the insulators provide high levels of insulation to direct current, 50 Hz alternating current and 400 kHz radio frequency current.