What is a retractor typically used for in surgery?

A retractor is primarily used in surgery to hold back the edges of a wound or an incision, allowing surgeons better visibility and access to the underlying tissues and organs. This is essential during surgical procedures, as it keeps the surgical site open and enables the surgeon to work more efficiently without obstruction. Retractors can be handheld or self-retaining and come in various shapes and sizes to adapt to different types of surgeries and anatomical locations.

While cutting tissue, grasping tissue, and measuring blood loss are indeed crucial functions within surgical procedures, these tasks are managed through specific instruments designed for those purposes. Scissors are typically used for cutting, forceps or clamps for grasping, and specialized containers or devices for measuring blood loss. Hence, the primary role of a retractor is distinctly focused on positioning and securing tissue to maintain optimal access during surgery.