A trocar is a versatile, specialized surgical device that proves useful in a variety of procedures. They are best known for their application in laparoscopic (also known as keyhole) surgery. By using a trocar, a surgeon is able to access the subcutaneous tissue, abdomen or peritoneal cavity. Physicians also employ trocars in treating ascites and hydrothorax, and for the implantation of slow-release hormone pellets beneath the skin. Embalmers use trocars to remove fluids and gas from the bodies of the descendants they prepare.
Trocars are available in two- or three-piece configurations, depending on the procedure and design. A typical three-piece trocar includes:
Cannula: The hollow shaft inserted through the skin and subdermal tissue to create a working channel.
Obturator: A solid, pointed, or blunt insert that acts as the leading tip during insertion. It helps create the pathway for the cannula. Once access is established, the obturator is removed.
Some laparoscopic trocars also include a seal to help maintain internal pressure during procedures that require gas insufflation. However, this component isn’t used in subcutaneous applications like hormone pellet insertion.
The modern trocar traces its roots to 19th-century English physician Reginald Southey, who developed an early version while treating patients with severe fluid retention. At the time, common treatments for conditions like anasarca were largely ineffective. Southey created a small tube system to drain fluid from beneath the skin, which evolved into a reusable design using a thin cannula and a pointed obturator.
His invention not only improved outcomes in fluid drainage but also influenced the development of surgical instruments that could access internal cavities with minimal tissue disruption. Over time, the design was refined, miniaturized, and adapted for use in abdominal, thoracic, and subdermal procedures. Trocars became a standard tool in both diagnostic and surgical medicine, and remain essential in minimally invasive care today.
Modern trocars come in a variety of styles, each designed for specific procedures and outcomes. They fall into a few main categories based on how they enter the body and what kind of tip they use. The differences in design can affect patient comfort, incision size, risk of internal injury, and visibility for the practitioner.
Bladed trocars use a sharp metal or plastic tip to cut through tissue during insertion. They are designed to penetrate multiple layers quickly and are often used in procedures that require fast, direct access. In many cases, a scalpel is used to make a small initial skin incision before inserting the trocar to guide it more precisely.
Because these trocars cut rather than spread tissue, there is a greater risk of internal injury if not placed carefully. Bladed designs are typically selected when the tissue is dense or difficult to penetrate using a blunt or atraumatic approach.
Bladeless trocars, also referred to as blunt or atraumatic trocars, have a conical or tapered tip that separates tissue rather than cutting it. As the surgeon applies pressure, the tissue spreads along the path of least resistance, reducing trauma to surrounding structures. These trocars are commonly used in laparoscopic procedures where protecting internal organs is a priority. The entry point is typically made using a scalpel, and the bladeless trocar is inserted through the incision. This method supports smaller, more uniform access points and may contribute to reduced postoperative pain and faster recovery.
Optical trocars include a built-in port for a laparoscope or camera, allowing the surgeon to see the tissue layers in real time during insertion. This visual guidance improves placement accuracy and lowers the risk of blind injury. Optical trocars can be either bladed or bladeless, and they are particularly valuable in initial port placement during minimally invasive surgery. In hormone pellet therapy, optical guidance is generally not needed, but these trocars are a staple in many other surgical specialties.
Trocars are used across a wide range of medical and surgical procedures. Their design allows for precise, controlled access through small incisions, which supports quicker recovery, fewer complications, and reduced scarring. Below are some of the most common applications.
Laparoscopy is one of the most recognizable uses for trocars. These procedures require gas insufflation to expand the abdomen, creating space for surgical instruments. Trocars provide sealed entry points that maintain this pressure while allowing tools to pass through. Surgeons use them to examine or operate on:
The appendix
Gallbladder
Intestines
Liver
Pancreas
Female reproductive organs
Pelvic cavity
Laparoscopic surgeries rely on multiple trocars of different sizes to accommodate cameras, graspers, or cutting tools. Smaller incisions mean less pain, shorter hospital stays, and lower risk of infection compared to traditional open surgery.
In thoracoscopic procedures, trocars are used to access the chest cavity without large incisions. These surgeries typically involve the lungs, esophagus, or pleura and are often performed for diagnosis, biopsy, or treatment of conditions like lung cancer or pleural effusion. Maintaining airtight seals is critical here as well, and optical or bladeless trocars are often preferred to reduce trauma.
Trocars are frequently used to drain fluid from body cavities, especially in cases involving ascites (fluid in the abdomen) or hydrothorax (fluid in the chest). In these cases, the trocar provides access for a drainage tube, helping to relieve pressure and improve patient comfort. This application traces back to the early designs of the instrument and remains relevant in modern practice.
Veterinarians use trocars in many of the same ways human surgeons do—primarily for laparoscopic procedures, artificial insemination, or fluid drainage. Smaller trocar sizes are used for small animals, while larger diameters and more robust designs are selected for equine or livestock procedures. These tools help vets perform precise procedures with minimal stress on the animal.
Trocars are the tool of choice for inserting subdermal hormone pellets in both men and women undergoing HRT or TRT. This procedure involves placing slow-release pellets into the fatty tissue, usually in the upper buttock or hip. A small incision is made using a scalpel, and the trocar is inserted through that opening to guide the pellet into place.
Using a trocar in this way allows for:
Minimal skin trauma
A quick, clean insertion
Lower risk of infection
No need for internal stitches
Faster healing
At Trocar Supplies, we offer both disposable and reusable options specifically designed for hormone pellet insertion, including ultra-narrow sizes to support small, precise entry points.
Consistency matters in procedures that rely on precision. Trocar Supplies offers a focused selection of trocars and kits designed for hormone pellet insertions and minor surgical use. Our inventory includes:
Disposable trocarsin narrow sizes for clean, low-trauma entry
Reusable stainless steel trocars built for repeated use and easy sterilization
Complete insertion tray kits that help save prep time and maintain a sterile field
Whether you're ordering for a clinic, pharmacy, or mobile provider, you'll find tools built to perform and backed by experience in hormone pellet therapy.
Browse current options or reach out if you need help selecting the right fit for your practice.
