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.