TROCHAR Meaning and
Definition
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A trochar, also spelled as trocar, is a sharp-pointed device used in medical procedures to puncture the body for the insertion of instruments or drainage. It consists of a pointed metallic or plastic tube with a cylindrical shape and a handle for a firm grip. Typically, it is equipped with a sleeve that can be slid over the tube after insertion to act as a sheath, preventing further injury or leakage.
Trochars are commonly used in various medical fields such as surgery, laparoscopy, or endoscopy to create access points in the body. During surgical procedures, trochars are employed to puncture various body tissues, most notably the abdominal wall, to gain entry and facilitate the introduction of surgical instruments or to drain fluids or gases. This helps to minimize tissue trauma and allows for the administration of treatments or the visualization of internal structures.
Furthermore, trochars are available in different sizes and types, depending on the specific medical procedure and the anatomical region being targeted. Some trochars are equipped with a retraction mechanism that allows for a controlled or guided insertion, enhancing accuracy and safety.
It is important for medical professionals using trochars to have a proficiency in their application and adhere to proper sterilization protocols to reduce the risk of infection or complications. Overall, trochars play a vital role in modern surgical practices, providing a reliable means of gaining access to body cavities or tissues for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TROCHAR
Etymology of TROCHAR
The word "trochar" has its origins in the Latin term "trocarium", which meant a small instrument used for making small holes or punctures. It was derived from the Latin word "trochus", meaning "a wheel" or "a turn". In the medical field, a trocar is a surgical instrument with a sharp-pointed shaft and a hollow tube attached to it, used to puncture the body for drainage or to allow the insertion of instruments. The term "trochar" has been in use since the early 17th century, with its meaning and usage evolving over time.
