Abstract: A medical instrument for effective atraumatic retraction of abdominal organs during laparoscopic surgery is described. The device consists of a rigid rod with a bore running from an air valve at the proximal end to multiple perforations at the distal end of the rod. An inflatable balloon covers the multiple perforations on the distal end of the rod. The balloon is constructed from a relatively stiff plastic material, and it is firmly attached to the rod, such that the balloon inflates in substantially one direction in order to provide a relatively wide palmated anterior surface, and a relatively narrow cross-section. The outer surface is smooth, and may be further covered with a soft nylon mesh, in order to provide a wide, soft, atraumatic surface for retraction. The device may also include an introducer tube for passing the balloon through a laparoscopic cannula.