New abdominal retractor for exposure of subphrenic region.

A new abdominal retractor for good exposure of the subphrenic space is described. It can be used either with subcostal incision for extensive hepatic resection or with upper midline incision for total gastrectomy. Because of the centrally placed winch and simple design, it withstands strong pulling and is very reliable. In more than 100 laparotomies done, the retractor was used in extensive hepatic resection or total gastrectomy without complications.