What is the function of retractors during surgery?

Retractors play a crucial role during surgical procedures by holding back skin, muscle, and other tissues. Their primary function is to ensure that the surgical site is clearly visible and accessible to the surgeon, enabling efficient and effective operation. By keeping the edges of incisions open and stabilizing surrounding tissues, retractors facilitate the surgeon's work, reduce blood loss by preventing unnecessary movement of tissues, and ultimately help in achieving better surgical outcomes. This function is essential in providing a clear view of the area being operated on, which is vital for precision and safety during surgery.