Apparatus for holding intestines out of an operative field

摘要

A nonabsorbent monolithic holding member having a plurality of openings to define spring segments and columns adapted for use within an abdominal cavity of a patient to keep the patient's bowels out of the operative field during open pelvic surgery. The holding member has a peripheral edge formed of a resiliently deformable material sized to be received within the abdominal cavity. The resilient deformation of at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the holding member in combination with the spring segments and columns results in a predetermined residual reactive force against the abdominal cavity to assist in positioning the holding member in the abdominal cavity while resisting movement of the retracted intestines though the deformed openings.