Abdominal anatomy in the context of port placement and trocars

Although the anatomy of the human being has not changed, technical developments in operating materials and methods demand a simultaneous development in operative management. Developments in electronic and optical technologies permit many gynecological operations to be performed laparoscopically. One fundamental distinction between any other operating method and laparoscopy is the hurdle that the initial entry, whether with a needle, cannula, or trocar, is mostly performed blind. However, there is a risk that blind entry may result in vascular or organ damage. One of the difficulties associated with entry complications is that any damage may not be immediately recognized, leading to major abdominal reparative surgery, and at worst, a temporary colostomy. Therefore, the technical and operative quality of laparoscopic surgery begins with port placement and trocars. Visual access systems are available but are not yet widely used. The aim of this review was to introduce the different port placement and trocar systems as well as their correct and professional usage in correlation with the abdominal functional anatomy.