Is there any difference between the distances created by towel clamp lifting and towel clamp plus manual lifting of the anterior abdominal wall for direct trocar entry in laparoscopic gynecologic surgery? A prospective interventional study

OBJECTIVE: Most surgeons prefer to perform anterior abdominal wall lifting during abdominal entry to avoid damage to intestines or main vessels. Anterior abdominal wall lifting is assumed to prevent vital organ injuries by creating an adequate distance prior to entry into the peritoneal cavity. In this study, we compared the distance created for trocar entry into the peritoneal cavity with towel clamp lifting and towel clamp plus manual elevation of the anterior abdominal wall. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients who underwent various laparoscopic procedures were enrolled. The study was performed in two steps: first the anterior abdominal wall was lifted using towel clamps (TC group), next the anterior abdominal wall was lifted via maximal manual elevation from the lower abdomen in addition to towel clamps (TCM group). The insertion distance of a plastic ruler into the abdomen was measured from the parietal peritoneum to the intra-abdominal structure in both groups. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (TC group 3.9±1.5 cm vs. TCM group 4.5±1.5 cm, p<0.001). Correlation analysis of the relationship of distance with BMI in the study groups revealed a strong negative linear correlation [TC group vs. body mass index (BMI); r=-0.719, p<0.001 and TCM group vs. BMI, r=-0.749, p<0.001]. Correlation analysis of the relationship between the study groups and parity number revealed a weak negative linear correlation (TC group vs. parity number, r=-0.071, p=0.76 and the TCM group vs. parity number, p=0.61), which did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The recruitment of both towel clamps and manual elevation in anterior abdominal wall lifting provides significantly greater distance for trocar entry in laparoscopic surgery.