Trocars are placed through the abdomen during laparoscopic surgery. The trocar functions as a portal for the subsequent placement of other instruments, such as graspers, scissors, staplers, etc. Trocars also allow the escape of gas or fluid from organs within the body.

Why are trocars used?

Trocars are used during laparoscopic procedures and other minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to make small, puncturelike incisions in outer tissue layers. These incisions allow surgeons to insert cannulas through which surgical instruments can be introduced.

What is a trocar in medicine?

Medical Definition of trocar : a sharp-pointed surgical instrument fitted with a cannula and used especially to insert the cannula into a body cavity as a drainage outlet.