Final answer:
The Balfour Retractor is the self-retaining retractor useful for the Pfannenstiel incision, providing efficient and safe retraction of the abdominal wall during surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The self-retaining retractor that is useful for the Pfannenstiel incision is the Balfour Retractor. This retractor is specifically designed to hold open abdominal incisions to allow surgeons a better view and access to the operative field. The Pfannenstiel incision, a common surgical incision made just above the pubic bone, is often used in gynecological surgeries and cesarean sections. The Balfour Retractor has lateral blades that can retract the abdominal wall and a third, removable blade that can be used to elevate the bladder or other structures. This self-retaining feature allows the surgical team to operate without having to manually hold the incision open, providing more efficiency and safety during the procedure.