| abstract |
A uterine retractor for an abdominal hysterectomy includes elongate shaft means having first and second opposite ends, piercing means located on the first end of the shaft means for piercing through the fundus of the uterus, and engagement means located on the second end for engaging the cervix. In use, the first end of the shaft means is guided up through the vaginal canal and inserted into the interior space of the uterus through the cervical canal. The retractor is then urged forwardly to cause the piercing means to pierce through the fundus of the uterus to position the first end of the shaft means outside the uterus in the abdominal cavity. The projecting first end of the shaft means is accessed through an incision formed in the lower abdominal wall, whereupon the retractor is pulled through the interior space of the uterus until the engagement means engages the cervix. In this position, the retractor is used to move the cervix to a desired position facilitating separation of the uterus from attached body structure including the vagina. After the uterus is separated, the retractor may be used to lift the uterus out of the abdominal cavity through the incision. |