What it means
In laparoscopic and robotic surgery, trocars make the openings through which the camera and instruments pass. Once the trocar is through the wall it is pulled out, leaving the cannula as a port. Trocars are also used to drain fluid from body cavities and to place chest tubes. Some trocars are blunt or have a shielded blade to protect the organs below.
For the nurse
Count trocars and their parts with the instruments, and check port sites after surgery for bleeding and signs of hernia or infection.
At a glance
| Also written | trocars, trochar |
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