Abstract: A tubular member is inserted into a natural body cavity such as the vagina or colon for retracting that internal organ to facilitate surgical access to the abdominal cavity through a wall of the organ. An end closure is formed with an aperture for the insertion of medical instruments. The tubular member is provided with a clamping element at the one end for holding the tubular member to the wall of the organ about an artificial opening incised into the organ wall.
Abstract: Improvements in intra-abdominal surgery include a method for removing large chunks of organic or inorganic material from the abdomen through a natural body opening such as the urethra. The technique may be supplemented by laparoscopic procedures.