Abstract: A retractor system for use in dynamically retracting the skin adjacent to an incision in a panniculus of a patient during a laparotomy or Cesarean section includes a support frame with at least one support member disposed above the panniculus of the patient, and an upper retractor that includes: a first resilient member including a first support member end attached to the at least one support member, and a first patient attachment end for attaching to the skin of the patient adjacent the incision in the panniculus; and a second resilient member including a second support member end attached to the at least one support member, and a second patient attachment end for attaching to the skin of the patient adjacent the incision in the panniculus. The first and second resilient members are responsive to the respiration of the patient.

Abstract: An episiotomy guide (2) for use in conducting an epi?iotomy on a subject is provided, the guide comprising a guide means for indicating alignment of the guide relative to a line between the vaginal opening and the anus of the subject; and a guide surface rigidly disposed relative to the guide means so as to extend laterally at an angle from the vaginal opening when the guide means is so aligned, the guide surface extending relative to the guide means appropriate for indicating the angle (0) of the line of a lateral episiotomy incision. The guide preferably comprises first (4) and second (10) guide members extending at an appropriate angle in a V-shape.