Trocars: safety and selection. Emergency Care Research Institute.

Trocars are used during laparoscopic procedures and other minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to make small, puncturelike incisions in outer tissue layers. These incisions allow surgeons to insert cannulas through which surgical instruments can be introduced. MIS procedures allow faster recovery times than traditional open procedures as well as minimal patient discomfort--but at the same time, they entail a certain amount of risk. Trocar-related injuries and complications range from minor bleeding to, on rare occasions, death. In this Guidance Article, we describe what trocars are, how they are used, and how these complications can be avoided. Our discussion includes the use of trocar tip shields, which are designed to reduce th risks of trocar use--but whose value is the subject of considerable debate among surgeons. It also covers the relative merits of reusable and disposable models. In addition, the article includes an overview of the trocar-cannula market, listing current suppliers and the types of trocars they offer.