For obese patients, what is the maximum trocar length mentioned for insertion?

• A. 50 mm
• B. 70 mm
• C. 100 mm
• D. 120 mm

Answer: (C)

When gaining access in laparoscopy, the trocar length must match how thick the abdominal wall is. In obese patients, the skin-to-peritoneum distance is greater, so a longer trocar helps you reach the peritoneal cavity reliably. But there’s a safety ceiling: too long a instrument can make controlled, precise insertion harder and increases the risk of deeper, unintended injury if the tip advances beyond the peritoneum. The commonly used upper limit in this context is 100 mm, which provides enough reach for most obese patients without pushing the instrument too far. Shorter lengths like 50 or 70 mm may fail to reach the cavity in many obese patients, while a length like 120 mm could pose additional risk if not carefully controlled. If a patient would require more than 100 mm, consider alternative access methods or techniques to maintain safety.