Things You Should Know About Trocars

A trocar is a surgical instrument that is used to create an opening through which other instruments can be inserted into a body cavity, such as the abdomen or the chest. It typically consists of a sharp, pointed tip that is attached to a hollow tube or cannula. The trocar is inserted through the skin and into the cavity, and then the cannula is used to provide a passage for other instruments to be passed through. Trocars are commonly used in laparoscopic surgery, which is a type of minimally invasive surgery that uses small incisions and specialized instruments to perform procedures inside the body.

trocar

History of Trocars

The first recorded use of a trocar dates back to the 18th century when it was used to access the abdominal cavity for the purpose of performing autopsies. The invention of the trocar is often credited to the French surgeon, Percival Pott, who described its use in 1748.

The original trocars were made of metal and had a sharp point at one end, which was used to pierce the skin and underlying tissues. The other end of the instrument had a valve that could be opened to allow for the passage of instruments such as scissors or forceps.

Since then, the design of trocars has evolved and improved to cater to different surgical procedures. In modern surgery, trocars come in different designs, sizes, and materials. There are trocars that are used with laparoscopic surgery, and others used with endoscopic surgery, some are bladed and others are blunt, most trocars today are made of plastic or metal.

 Some Procedures That Use a Trocar

Laparoscopic surgery

This is a minimally invasive surgical technique that is used to perform procedures in the abdomen or pelvis. A trocar is used to create small openings in the skin through which a laparoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end) and other instruments can be inserted.

Endoscopic procedures

Trocars are also used in endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy and gastroscopy, which are used to examine the inside of the colon and stomach, respectively. A trocar is used to create an opening in the abdomen or rectum through which an endoscope can be inserted.

Thoracoscopy

Thoracoscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of the chest. Trocars are used to create small openings in the chest through which a thoracoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end) and other instruments can be inserted.

Arthroscopy

An arthroscopy procedure is done on joints and trocars are used to make a small incision to insert the arthroscope.

Others

Pleural effusion or pneumothorax procedures.

It is important to note that the use of a trocar in any procedure is highly dependent on the surgeon's skill and experience, as well as the individual patient's medical history and condition.

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