Retractors and Principles of Exposure

Adequate exposure of the target organ represents an essential part of every successful operation. Therefore, it is worthwhile to be equipped with different retractors and to invest enough time to optimize exposure. The need for retractor-mediated exposure has been challenged by the advent of minimally invasive surgery. However, minimally invasive surgery has only changed the means of surgical access whereas the procedures performed at the target organs remain largely unchanged. In contrast to open surgery, exposure during laparoscopy is achieved predominantly by patient position and trocar placement. Retractor systems are less important.