The present invention is directed to a retractor illumination system 135 comprising a retractor 137, a light guide 139, said retractor 137 configured to allow light guide 139 to slide into grooves 141 formed into retractor 137 or to slide around the sides of retractor 137 or snap onto or into retractor 137, said light guide 139 comprising a flexible input 143 that is attached to light guide 139, said flexible input 143 formed from a flexible, light conducting material, said flexible input 143 being attached to the light guide 139 by insert molding, by co-molding or via adhesive.
