RI-000018 In several surgical procedures, Kocher retractors are a standard surgical tool. They are made to hold a surgical incision or wound’s margins open so the surgeon can see and reach the underlying tissues more easily. Kocher retractors often have a handle that allows the surgeon to hold and control the tool and a thin, flat blade with a curved end. They are frequently manufactured of stainless steel and come in a range of shapes and sizes to meet various surgical requirements.