Retractor (Noun)
Meaning
Surgical instrument that holds back the edges of a surgical incision.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The retractor was placed in the incision to better expose the surgical site and improve visibility for the operating physician.
- The doctors needed to use a larger retractor to widen the opening and gain access to the internal organ that required repair.
- After gently cutting through the outer layers of tissue with the scalpel, the retractor was used to spread apart the skin edges for deeper examination.
- Care must be taken not to stretch the tissue excessively with the retractor as it could result in unintended tissue damage or laceration.
- Surgeons can use hand-held retractors, mechanical retractors or tissue expanders during delicate procedures that require precision.