An Innovative Wound Retractor/Protector for Prosthetic Urologic Surgery

Objective: We demonstrate an innovative use of a barrier surgical wound retractor/protector system for use in a variety of prosthetic urologic procedures (penile prosthetics, artificial urinary sphincters, male slings). Materials and Methods: We demonstrate the use of a self-retaining ring wound retractor in a multitude of prosthetic urological procedures: insertion of an inflatable penile prosthesis through an infrapubic approach as well as penoscrotal approach, placement of a transperineal artificial urinary sphincter, and placement of a male urethral sling. Results: The self-retaining ring wound retractor facilitated a more rapid setup and takedown, provided 360 degrees of atraumatic retraction as well as 360 degrees of wound protection, allowed for maximum exposure with a minimum incision size, significantly shortened the operating wound depth thus maximizing exposure, and isolated the surgical field minimizing prosthesis to skin contact. Conclusion: Our experience shows that prosthetic urologic surgeries can be enhanced with the use of the self-retaining ring wound retractor as it provides better surgical exposure, lowers wound infection risks, sets up more quickly as a safer retraction system with substantial cost savings.