A new technique of primary trocar insertion for laparoscopy

A new method of primary trocar insertion exploits the anatomy of the anterior abdominal wall at the umbilicus. The point of fusion between the skin, fascia, and peritoneum is identified, and a tiny incision is made precisely over this point, enabling a small clamp to be introduced directly into the peritoneal cavity. After stretching the opening with this clamp, a 5-mm trocar is introduced into the peritoneal cavity over a blunt probe, and the abdomen is insufflated. The opening is stretched further with a Kelly clamp, and a 10-mm trocar is introduced over a blunt probe. The technique was used in 54 consecutive patients, 20 of whom had prior low vertical incisions. Ten women had very dense periumbilical adhesions, placing at least four at extremely high risk of bowel injury from blind entry. There were no injuries, and the technique is so quick and effective that it is now the author's routine method of trocar insertion for laparoscopy.