The Radial Expanding Cannula and the Conventional Cannula with Sleeve for Operative Laparoscopy

A randomized, case control, prospective trial was performed to determine whether radial expanding cannulas offer advantages over conventional disposable cannulas. Laparoscopy was performed in 20 women using one or the other of these instruments. Pain was evaluated immediately postoperatively, and at 24 and 96 hours with a visual analog scale. No difference between techniques was noted at the immediate postoperative analysis. Pain scores were significantly reduced with the radial expanding cannula at 24 hours (p <0.0005) and 96 hours (p <0.04). Cannula slippage was significantly reduced with the radial expanding cannula compared with the conventional disposable cannula (p <0.02). Three cases of cannula-related bleeding occurred with conventional device, and one with the radial expanding device. The radial expanding cannula results in less long-term pain and less slippage than conventional disposable cannulas.