The instrument presented is a modification of the familiar pillar retractor. The retractor end is approximately twice as wide as the old model, and is curved from side to side. The instrument is 9 inches (22.86 cm.) in length. At the handle end is a socket designed to admit the metal tip of the standard diathermy cord, for use when the retractor is employed as a dispersive electrode for electrocoagulation of the tonsil. When the retractor is being used for this purpose a piece of light rubber tubing is slipped over the handle end, until all but 1 inch (2.5 cm.) of the retractor end is covered, to prevent accidental burning of the lips, tongue or cheek.
Modified tonsil pillar retractor (one-third full size).
The retractor is of particular advantage in exposing the lower pole of the tonsil or the base of the tonsil fossa, as its width and curved