A Vaginal Wall Retractor is a surgical gynecologically instrument designed to retract and hold the anterior and/or posterior walls of the vaginal canal during pelvic examinations, surgical procedures, or treatments. It enables clear visualization and access to the cervix, vaginal vault, or uterus by creating and maintaining space within the vaginal cavity. Often used alongside a Sims speculum or weighted speculum, it is available in various blade shapes and lengths to suit patient anatomy and procedural needs.

•   Type: Manual retractor (single or dual blade)

•   Blade Width: 25 mm – 40 mm • Blade Length: 75 mm – 120 mm

•   Handle Type: Solid or fenestrated

•   Designs: Straight, curved, right-angled

•   Self-Retaining: Some models are (most are manual)

•   Material: Surgical stainless steel or disposable polymer

 Size                              Blade Width                    Blade Length                               Use Case

Small                           25–28 mm                       75–85 mm                             Paediatric / Narrow canal

Medium                     30–35 mm                        90–100 mm                           Standard gynecologically use

Large                          36–40 mm                      105–120 mm                           Surgical / Deep vaginal procedures

•   Flat • Curved

•   Right-angle (90°)

•   Fenestrated or solid

•   Lateral Vaginal Retractor – Holds vaginal side walls

•   Anterior/Posterior Retractor – Focuses on one wall at a time

•   Self-retaining Retractors (optional) – With locking or stand

•   Plastic Disposable Retractors – Transparent, single-use

•   Weighted Retractor (e.g., Avard type) – Stays in place via gravity

•   Reusable:

o   Medical/surgical grade stainless steel (corrosion-resistant)

•   Disposable:

o   Clear, sterile, medical-grade plastic (polycarbonate or polymer)

•   OB/GYN Surgical Instruments

•   Vaginal Retractors

•   Diagnostic and Operative Instruments

•   Long, flat or curved blade

•   Thumb or handle grip for easy retraction

•   May be part of a vaginal surgery set

•   Optional hole for suction drainage in some designs

•   Retraction of anterior or lateral vaginal wall

•   Used in vaginal surgeries, hysteroscopy, or minor procedures

•   Helps expose cervix for colposcopy or biopsy

•   Frequently combined with Sims speculum or weighted retractor

•   Enhances visibility and access during exams/surgery

•   Lightweight and ergonomic for ease of handling

•   Multiple sizes ensure personalized patient care

•   Reusable models are long-lasting and cost-effective

•   Disposable options available for infection control

•   Manual holding may require assistant

•   May cause discomfort if improper size is used

•   Non-self-retaining versions need additional instruments for stable access

•   Risk of mucosal trauma if inserted carelessly

•   Choose correct blade size based on patient anatomy

•   Lubricate before insertion to reduce discomfort

•   Use sterile technique to prevent infection

•   Ensure blade edges are smooth and intact

•   Do not use excessive force during insertion or retraction

•   HS Code: 9018.90 – Medical or surgical instruments

•   HSN Code (India): 9018.90.99 – Includes retractors

•   Reusable:

o   Clean thoroughly using enzymatic detergent

o   Sterilize by autoclaving at 121°C for 15–20 minutes

o   Dry and store in sterile conditions

•   Disposable:

o   Pre-sterilized/ Discard immediately after single use in biohazard container

Veterinary Application

•   Used in canine, feline, and bovine gynaecology for reproductive exams, uterine access, and

vaginal surgery

•   Essential tool in artificial insemination prep, prolapse repair, or foreign body removal

•   Large-sized retractors used in equine and bovine reproductive surgery

•   Improves visibility during vaginal and cervical swab collection

Human Application

•   Widely used in gynecologically surgeries, including vaginal hysterectomy, cystocele/rectocele

repair, and colposcopy

•   Helps retract vaginal wall during cervical biopsy or IUD placement

•   Crucial in vaginal vault suspension surgeries

•   Used in routine and operative OB/GYN procedures

Q1: What is the purpose of a vaginal wall retractor?

A1: It retracts the vaginal walls to allow clear visualization and access to internal structures during

exams or surgeries.

Q2: Is it reusable or single-use?

A2: Both versions exist — stainless steel ones are reusable; plastic ones are disposable and pre-

sterilized.

Q3: Can it be used in veterinary procedures?

A3: Yes, it's used in animal gynaecology, especially for reproductive exams in dogs, cats, cows, and

horses.

Q4: Is a self-retaining version available?

A4: Some versions (e.g., weighted or stand-mounted) are self-retaining, though most are manually held.

Q5: How should it be sterilized?

A5: Clean with enzymatic solution and autoclave at 121°C for 15–20 minutes; disposable versions

should be discarded after one use.