As the world of laparoscopy is emerging with advent of technology, touch is being lost but visualization has improved. An optimal operative field view is crucial for increasing quality and safety of a laparoscopic surgical procedure. The laparoscopic approach has become the new normal because of reduced risk for wound complications and enhanced cosmesis.

Liver retraction is crucial for providing adequate visualization and working space around the stomach during laparoscopic bariatric surgery. In bariatric surgery, the retraction is particularly challenging as the method employed must have the ability to lift the heavy liver adequately. Liver retraction is traditionally achieved through insertion of an external retractor through a laparoscopic port (fan retractor) or an incision (Nathanson retractor). Mechanical liver retractors are known to cause retraction related transamnitis.

In the existing literature, there are comparative studies of various retraction methods in terms of operative field view, chances of liver injury and retraction related post-operative complications. However, majority of these studies are descriptive in nature and direct comparisons between instruments and techniques would be complicated. Several lacunae exist in the current literature about the comparability of use of fan retractor, in terms of operative field view, with the commonly used Nathanson retractor. 

Comparability studies related to operative field view as a primary objective need to be performed to define an optimal retractor in the Indian setting. In our study, in addition to operative view score, changes in the liver function tests and port/incision site pain post-operatively in two retraction groups will also be studied and compared. These studies would assist us in selecting appropriate device with optimal operative field view and less post-operative retraction related complications.