title: Sponge pieces as retractors in neurosurgical interventions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Different retractors including high-technology products were proposed for neurosurgical interventions. The sponge, having characteristics of deformability and resistance to compression, might be an alternative retractor for the neurosurgical era.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sponge obtainable from the ordinary market was broken into pieces and sterilized by ethylene oxide. During intervention, the appropriate sponge pieces were applied inside the dissected sulci for the purpose of retraction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The sponge pieces were easily applied and supplied optimal retraction during operations. Proximal application to the dissected sylvian fissure enabled the exposure of the inner distal part including the insular surface, whereas application between the frontobasal surface and the orbital roof provided satisfactory exposure of the suprachiasmatic area. The retraction capacity of the sponge was less than that of self-retaining Leyla retractors, but the postoperative appearance of cortical surfaces was fine without any bruising or hyperemia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The sponge material, with its inner mechanical characteristics and ease of application like cotton pads, seems to be an alternative retractor in neurosurgical interventions, and these characteristic may inspire development of new high-technology retractors.
authors: Ondukuz Mayis University, Medical School, Department of Neurosurgery, Samsun, Turkey.
authors: Adnan
authors: A
authors: Dagcinar
authors: Ahmet Hilmi
authors: AH
authors: Kaya
authors: Alparslan
authors: A
authors: Senel
authors: Fahrettin
authors: F
authors: Celik
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D035262:Cranial Fossa, Anterior / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D013525:Surgical Instruments / Q000592:standards; D015503:Surgical Sponges / Q000592:standards; D016896:Treatment Outcome