Laparoscopic surgery has become an integral part of modern veterinary practice, but one detail is often overlooked. Cats are not simply small dogs. Their anatomy is different, their tissues behave differently and the instruments that work well in larger patients are not always the best choice for feline procedures. Selecting the right trocar isn`t just about gaining abdominal access. It`s about creating the
least possible tissue trauma from the very first step of surgery.

Which trocar is good for small animals (laparoscopy)?

The feline abdominal wall is considerably thinner than that of most dogs and the skin is far more elastic. As a result, the amount of resistance encountered during trocar insertion is much lower. 

Traditional sharp trocars rely on a controlled puncture using an obturator. In larger patients, this technique is predictable because the body wall offers greater resistance.
In cats however, tissue resistance can reduce suddenly during insertion, making it easier to create more tissue disruption than intended. While experienced surgeons adapt their technique accordingly, the choice of trocar can also influence how controlled that initial entry feels.

Endotip trocar-advantages

Endotip trocars work differently. Rather than cutting through tissue with a sharp obturator, they use a threaded cannula that gently advances through the abdominal wall using controlled rotation.
Instead of creating a puncture, the tissue is gradually separated as the trocar progresses. 

For feline patients, this can offer several practical advantages:
More controlled abdominal entry
Reduced tissue disruption at the port site
Better tactile feedback during insertion
Potentially less postoperative discomfort
Smaller animals often tolerate the access site particularly well.
The same advantages often apply to smaller breed dogs where the abdominal  wall is equally delicate.

Sharp Trocar vs Endotip Trocar

Which trocar size should be used?

For most feline laparoscopic procedures, a 5 mm trocar remains the standard choice. A 3 mm port may be suitable as an accessory port for procedures such as diagnostic laparoscopy or liver biopsy. Larger procedures requiring clip applicators or larger graspers may justify a 10 or 11 mm trocar, although increasing port diameter inevitably increases the size of the access site.
As always, the instrument should match the procedure rather than the other way around.

What veterinary surgeons are telling us

Since introducing Endotip trocars, we`ve worked with practices across the UK that have gradually incorporated them into their feline laparoscopic procedures.
One veterinary surgeon in Surrey commented:
"I like the approach. There`s less tissue trauma, access is straightforward and we`ve seen fewer postoperative issues. I rarely reach for the traditional trocar now"
A mixed practice in Bristol shared another practical observation:
"Owners seem happier with how quickly many of our feline patients settle after surgery and we`ve had fewer postoperative phone calls about discomfort.
These are individual experiences rather than controlled clinical studies, but they reflect the practical feedback we continue to hear from practices using threaded trocars in suitable cases.

Is there still a place for sharp trocars?

Absolutely.
Endotip trocars are another tool in the surgeon`s kit, not a replacement for every
procedure. For larger breed dogs, particularly during procedures such as  laparoscopic gastropexy, many surgeons continue to favour sharp trocars because of the thicker abdominal wall, familiar insertion technique and procedural preference.
Good surgical outcomes come from selecting the right instrument for the patient - not expecting one instrument to suit every case.

Choosing the right trocar for your practice

At ESU Medical Solutions, we supply sharp, blunt and Endotip trocars in a range of diameters for veterinary practices throughout the UK. More importantly, we help practices choose equipment that suits the procedures they perform every day.
Whether you`re introducing minimally invasive surgery, expanding your  instrument set or replacing worn equipment, our technical team can advise on compatibility, configuration and practical clinical use.

We can help with:
3 mm, 5 mm and 10/11 mm trocar systems
Sharp, blunt and Endotip options
Instrument compatibility with your existing laparoscopic stack
Practical advice based on your surgical caseload
Ongoing technical support before and after purchase
Minimally invasive surgery isn`t simply about buying new instruments.
It`s about choosing equipment that allows surgeons to work confidently while giving patients the gentlest possible start to their procedure.

At ESU Medical Solutions, we support veterinary practices and the wider  veterinary industry through an innovative, customer-focused approach.

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