Which retractor should the surgical technologist be ready to pass during an inguinal herniorrhaphy procedure?

During an inguinal herniorrhaphy procedure, the Army-Navy retractor is typically used due to its ability to provide optimal exposure of the surgical site. This retractor has a double-ended design, which allows for versatility in maneuvering and holding back tissue as the surgeon works in the inguinal region. The blades of the Army-Navy retractor are shaped and angled to effectively retract soft tissues without causing excessive trauma, an important consideration when working near delicate structures such as nerves and blood vessels in the groin area.

The other retractors mentioned, such as the Weitlaner, Deaver, and Richardson, have specific uses that may not align as closely with the needs of an inguinal herniorrhaphy. The Weitlaner is primarily used for larger abdominal procedures or surgeries requiring a wider spread, the Deaver tends to be more suitable for deeper retraction in abdominal surgeries, and the Richardson is often used in abdominal or thoracic surgeries to retract organs or tissue in a more focused manner. Thus, while these retractors are valuable in their contexts, the Army-Navy retractor’s design and function make it particularly advantageous for inguinal herniorrhaphy, which requires