Retractor Fatigue During Surgery
A retractor is a surgical instrument used to hold back or separate tissues during a surgical procedure. It is typically a flat or curved blade with a handle that can be adjusted to various angles. Retractors are commonly used in various types of surgeries, such as abdominal, thoracic, and orthopedic procedures, to provide better visibility and access to the surgical site. They can also be used to hold organs or other structures in place during a procedure.
Retractor fatigue during surgery refers to the physical exhaustion that can occur in surgeons when using retractors for prolonged periods of time during an operation. This can lead to decreased precision and increased risk of errors. Manual retraction, a task performed to expose the surgical site, poses a high risk for musculoskeletal disorders that affect the hands, arms, shoulders, neck, and back(1). To prevent retractor fatigue, surgeons may take frequent breaks, use assistive devices, or switch to minimally invasive techniques when possible.
Correct way of retraction:
- Start by selecting the appropriate retractor for the surgical procedure.
- Position the retractor at the surgical site before making incisions.
- Use gentle pressure to hold back or separate the tissues.
- Adjust the angle of the retractor as needed to provide optimal visibility and access to the surgical site.
- Be mindful of the surrounding structures and avoid applying excessive force or pressure, as this can cause damage to surrounding tissues.
- Keep the retractor in place throughout the procedure, and adjust as necessary to ensure proper visibility and access.
- Once the procedure is complete, remove the retractor and close the incision site.
It's essential to use the appropriate retractor for the procedure, be gentle and avoid applying excessive force or pressure, and keep the retractor in place throughout the procedure and adjust as necessary to ensure proper visibility and access.
