Which retractor should the surgical technologist have ready during an inguinal herniorraphy procedure?

During an inguinal herniorrhaphy procedure, the Army-Navy retractor is most commonly used, making it the correct choice. This retractor features two blades that are angled to provide optimal exposure of the surgical site, particularly in the groin area where the inguinal canal is located. Its design allows for the access and holding back of soft tissue, which is essential in this type of surgery for ensuring that the surgeon has a clear view and access to the hernia.

Inguinal herniorrhaphy involves delicate manipulation of blood vessels and other structures in close proximity, so maintaining good visibility while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues is crucial. The Army-Navy retractor is compact and versatile, making it an ideal instrument for this procedure.

While other retractors listed may have their uses in various types of surgeries, they are not as well-suited for the specific requirements of an inguinal herniorrhaphy. For instance, the Bookwalter retractor is typically reserved for larger abdominal surgeries, the Senn retractor is more commonly used in superficial procedures, and the Harrington retractor tends to be used for deeper wound retraction in thoracic or abdominal cases but is not as applicable to