Abstract
Study ObjectiveTo establish true dimensions of single-use laparoscopic trocars as compared to marketed dimensions, calculate corresponding incision sizes, examine what trocar size categories are based on, and outline accessibility of information regarding true dimensions. DesignDescriptive study SettingLaparoscopic disposable trocars available in North America and Europe are marketed in several distinct categories. In practice, trocars in the same size category exhibit different functionality (ability to introduce instruments/needles and retrieve specimens) and warrant different incision lengths. PatientsN/A InterventionsN/A Measurements and Main ResultsTrue dimensions for 125 trocars (bladeless, optical, and balloon) were obtained from 9 vendors covering 8 marketed size categories (3, 3.5, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, and 15-mm trocars). On average, true inner cannula diameter was 0.92 mm wider (standard deviation [SD] 0.41 mm, range 0 – 2.4 mm) than the marketed size category, with the widest range in the 5-mm category. For 5-mm trocars, mean true inner diameter was 6.1 mm (SD 0.45, range 5.5 – 7.4) and true outer diameter 8.3 mm (SD 0.71, range 8.0 – 10.7). For 12-mm trocars, mean true inner diameter was 13.0 mm (SD 0.21, range 12 – 13.3) and outer diameter 15.3 mm (SD 0.48, range 14.4 – 16.8). Five-mm trocars necessitate a mean incision size of 13.0 mm (SD 1.1, range 12.1 – 16.8) and 12-mm trocars a mean incision of 24.0 mm (SD 0.75, range 22.6 – 26.4). No vendors stated actual diameters on company website or catalogue. In one instance the Instructions For Use document contained the true inner diameter. ConclusionTrocar size categories give a false sense of standardization when in actuality there are considerable within-category differences in both inner and outer diameters, corresponding to differences in functionality and required incision sizes. There is no universally applied definition for trocar size categories. Accessibility of information on true dimensions is limited.
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