Elastic Intra-corporeal Retractor for Bariatric and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery

In minimally invasive upper gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery, proper organ retraction, especially liver retraction, is essential to achieve better per-operative precision and safety. Most currently used methods require specific material which might not be available in all hospitals. We introduce an easily reproducible low-cost trocar-less elastic intra-corporeal retractor (ICR).

ICR was created then used in two institutions where around 500 upper gastrointestinal and bariatric procedures are jointly performed yearly. Its design and application require an elastic rubber band, three staples, and a needle holder. For liver retraction, ICR is anchored to the right diaphragmatic crus and the anterior abdominal wall, creating a triangular shaped retractor.

ICR requires around 2–3 min for application and can be easily repositioned for adequate exposure. Its trocar-less and intra-corporeal characteristics offer the advantage of decreasing the risk of bleeding, infection, and liver injury accompanying additional trocars, transcutaneous punctures and conventional retractors.

ICR is a safe, effective, inexpensive, and easily reproducible intra-corporeal organ retractor which can be used in both laparoscopic and robotic bariatric surgery.