Direct visual or blind insertion of the primary trocar.

BACKGROUND

We set out to assess the difference in complication rates between primary umbilical insertion by a blind trocar and insertion with an optical surgical obturator.

METHODS

In a retrospective survey, we investigated the rate of severe complications by primary umbilical trocar entry. Of 1546 patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopies at a tertiary-care university hospital, 1000 cases were operated by blind umbilical insertion with a conventional primary trocar whereas 546 used an optical primary trocar.

RESULTS

The rate of major complications during insertion of the primary trocar in the blind insertion group was five of 1000 (0.5%), whereas there were no major complications in the optical-guided insertion group (0.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

In comparison with the blind insertion of a sharp trocar, optical guidance provides a safe and functional primary insertion method that allows to detect adhesions to be detected at an early stage, thus preventing injuries to the bowel and abdominal vessels.