| First incision and insufflation
Normally an incision is made in the umbilicus, and CO2 is insufflated
in order to make a safe
entrance of the first trocar possible.
We use an 11 mm trocar with a large side
opening (Storz) , in order to permit the use
of a high flow insufflator (Storz) , which procures additional safety
in case of bleeding and aspiration or during gaz loss during
hysterectomy.
click to enlarge images
Secondary incisions and trocars
2
trocars of 5mm (=
laser surgery )
We mostly use 2 secondary incisions very low in the
abdomen within bikini limits. When the use of dissection and
electrosurgery for a short period of time is anticipated (eg
A hydronefrosis) the incisions are put
slightly more lateral but
still low. This permits the use of a third secondary trocar
in the middle if necessary.
3 trocars of 5 mm (electrosurgery)
When the entire surgery is will be done by electrosurgery, 3
secondary punctures are used higher on the abdomen .
Thereason for this is the angle of access to
the pelvis
2 trocars of 5 mm + 1 trocar of 10 mm
When morcellation is needed, 1 of the 5 mm
trocars has to be replaced by a 10 mm
Enlargement of incisions
When larger pieces of tissue have to be removed,
the first incision ha to be enlarged to some 2 cm.
Discussion
The first incision is always vertical deep in the umbilicus since
the wall is thinnest at that level and in order to prevent a scar (
an horizontal incision produces a ‘smile’ scar).
If adhesions could be present insufflation can be done though a 5 mm
incision, under the ribs on the left side.
With a laser most surgery can be done with 2 secondary ports
put very low.
Using electrosurgery
3 ports are necessary to work properly. These
are placed higher in the abdomen. If suturing outside the
pelvis, eg sigmoid endometriosis, is
necessary 3 secondary ports placed higher in
the abdomen are mandatory.
To remove larger blocks of tissue, either a morcellator
of 1 cm or a small enlargement of an incision is necessary.
Besides technical and esthetic considerations, it is important to
know that in general a more experienced surgeon with perfect assistance
is needed to do surgery with 2 secondary trocars only, inserted low in
the abdomen. On the other hand, safety si the most important issue.
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