Trocar is one of the essential instruments used in laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique widely used nowadays. It is a device designed to create a path for inserting other surgical instruments into the abdominal cavity in laparoscopic surgeries.
Laparoscopy, also known as keyhole surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves making small incisions in the abdomen to insert a laparoscope and other surgical instruments. These instruments are needed to manipulate internal organs and perform a range of surgical procedures without having to make large incisions, as in traditional open surgeries. Laparoscopy is considered to be a safer, faster, and less painful alternative to open surgeries, and it offers numerous advantages to both patients and surgeons.
Trocar is a critical component of laparoscopic surgeries. It is a sharp-pointed and hollow instrument used to create an opening in the abdominal wall through which a laparoscope and other surgical instruments can be inserted. Most trocars have a three-part design consisting of an outer cannula, an inner stylet, and a stopcock or valve. The outer cannula is the primary component that penetrates through the abdominal wall, allowing the inner stylet to create a path for inserting other surgical instruments.
The size and shape of the trocar depend on the surgical procedure and the surgeon's preference. Trocars are available in various diameters and lengths, ranging from 1 mm to 15 mm in diameter and 2 cm to 12 cm in length. The tip of the trocar can be sharp or blunt, depending on its intended use. The sharp-tipped trocars are commonly used to penetrate the abdominal wall, whereas the blunt-tipped trocars are designed to minimize the risk of injury to organs during insertion.
The trocar is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision made in the skin of the abdominal wall. The most common insertion sites for trocars are at the umbilicus, the left and right lower quadrants, and the left and right upper quadrants of the abdomen. Once the trocar is inserted, the surgeon can inflate the abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide gas to create a working space for the laparoscope and other surgical instruments.
Trocar insertion requires considerable skill and experience to ensure successful outcomes. Improper placement or insertion of the trocar can result in severe complications such as organ injury, internal bleeding, and infection. That is why laparoscopy and trocar insertion are performed by experienced surgeons who have undergone extensive training in the use of laparoscopic instruments.
Trocar is an essential instrument used in laparoscopic surgeries, and its proper use is crucial to successful outcomes. With the increasing popularity of laparoscopy, trocar usage has become more common and prevalent in surgical practice. Surgeons and medical teams using trocars in laparoscopic surgeries must adhere to strict safety standards to minimize the risk of complications and ensure patient safety.
