Trocar-related safety events in minimally invasive surgical procedures: Risks for organ and vascular complications (March 2021)

Summary

A trocar is a hollow device used during minimally invasive surgery that serves as an entry port for optical scopes and surgical equipment. Insertion of this device into the body is determined using anatomical landmarks taking into consideration the patient’s history and physical attributes, e.g., scars or abdominal size. Insertion of the first trocar is the time of highest risk of injury. Intestinal and vascular injuries are two potentially life-threatening injuries that can occur.

This is a retrospective review of trocar-related events submitted to the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS) between 1 January 2014 and 30 June 2020, which identified 268 events.