Saving time during laparoscopy using a new, wall anchoring trocar device

Abstract

Objective: Safe and reliable access systems are crucial in laparoscopy, and trocar dislodgement is still a common and frustrating problem. Wall emphysema can occur besides the risky prolongation of the surgical procedure. Wall-anchoring components provide a better hold of the device. This comparative analysis assesses the frequency of dislodgement and a time-sparing effect on the intervention of 3 different trocar systems, including an innovation in the field of access-providing systems.

Methods: Patients who underwent laparoscopy for various gynecological indications were included and randomized consecutively into 3 groups according to the access system used in the intervention: (A) trocar fitted with a spiral thread on the sleeve, (B) trocar with plain sleeve, (C) trocar as in B together with a fixator. This novelty is installed on the trocar before insertion and then sutured to the abdominal wall. Intervention time, frequency of trocar corrections, and the time loss through correction were registered. Standard statistical analyses were performed.

Results: The cohort comprised 131 patients; 51 patients were consecutively randomized into group A, 38 into group B, and 42 into group C. Mean intervention time was different, shortest in C and highest in B. Frequency of interruption of the intervention due to adjustment of the device and time loss through adjustment was lowest in group C (fixator + plain sleeve) and highest in group B (plain-sleeve) (0.47 vs 0.29, P<0.05 and 2.13 minutes vs 0.69 minutes, P<0.05).

Conclusion: Wall-anchoring components lead to higher stability of ports and have a time-sparing effect. Comparing the 2 trocar groups with wall-anchoring properties (trocar with thread-fitted sleeve vs fixator + trocar with plain sleeve), the mean operation time was lowest in the fixator group, and the time-saving effect was higher.