The Bookwalter Retractor | Smart Repair

The Bookwalter® retractor is a high-quality table fixed retractor that allows for improved access to the operating field by securing open the abdominal area with stable retraction throughout long procedures.

Famously invented by American Surgeon Dr John Bookwalter, they are not as readily available here in the UK as they are in America. As a British Company, Surgical Holdings is proud to be involved in the Refurbishment of the UK sets and we wanted to tell you, what goes into the process when one of these systems comes into our workshops for repair.

Assistant Production Manager Reece talked us through the step-by-step refurbishment process. With over 30 components, each intricate bolt and fixation item requires care and focus.

Let’s take a look at the After photo…

And now for the Before…

So, with one dedicated technician overseeing the whole process from start to finish, two polishers and one Senior Production Manager to sign off on multiple occasions, what goes into the how it’s done journey? Let’s take a look.

First of all, the technician will check for functionality when the system first comes in. Following this, they will identify which parts require attention and they will work on repairing individual parts of the mechanism.

Then the process expands and the Aluminium items are sent to be stripped of their coating, and whilst these items are at the platers, all other items are polished and ready for when the stripped items come back. These are then also treated.

Select items are then sent for Anodising and following their finished return, the whole system is assembled for secondary testing for functionality.

Once we are satisfied that all components are in working order, senior management gives the retractor the first sign-off. Items are then sent for laser marking featuring our SMART REPAIR logo.

Non Aluminium items (stainless steel) are cleaned and passivated which then leads to the final senior sign-off. Once this has been obtained, the newly refurbished Bookwalter Retractor is ready to be packed and dispatched.

The process requires care and attention to detail tailored to the specific components of the mechanism. The refurbishment of a Bookwalter Retractor is considered one of the ‘bulkier’ instruments to come into our workshops. They are a project and one that is enjoyed by the passionate team dedicated to returning these pioneering systems to an “as new” condition.