New modified anal retractor for hand-sutured coloanal anastomosis

The hand-sutured coloanal anastomosis requires adequate and atraumatic expo sure of the anal canal in order to avoid sphincter damage. We evaluated a n ew modified anal retractor to improve exposure of the anal canal and thread handling during construction of hand-sutured coloanal anastomosis. This ne w device was used during all coloanal and transperineal procedures performe d in 1997 in our hospital. This new device is safe and extremely comfortabl e for the surgeon. It speeds up the procedure and keeps sutures out of the way when completing a coloanal anastomosis.