What are all the different uses of Balfour retractor?

The Balfour retractor is primarily used in surgical procedures to hold back the edges of a surgical incision, providing better access to the underlying tissues and organs. It is commonly employed in abdominal surgeries, such as cholecystectomies and laparotomies, to maintain exposure of the surgical field. Additionally, it can be adapted for use in thoracic and pelvic surgeries. Its design allows for the retraction of larger areas, making it useful in a variety of surgical specialties.