A retractor for cholecystectomy.

A self-retaining retractor has been designed to enable one surgeon to perform cholecystectomy and exploration of the bile duct with a minimum of assistance. The instrument consists of a horseshoe shaped collapsible frame and four specially designed blades. It is ideally suited for a right subcostal or a transverse incision. Adjustment and removal for performing on-table cholangiography and reapplication are all straightforward.