Surgical Tech Practice Exam

What instrument is necessary to create a pneumoperitoneum?

1. Trocar

2. Verres needle

3. Scalpel

4. Bovie pen

The correct answer is: Verres needle

The Verres needle is specifically designed for creating a pneumoperitoneum, which is the intentional introduction of carbon dioxide gas into the peritoneal cavity. This procedure is typically required before performing laparoscopic surgeries, where a working space is created for instruments and visualization of the abdominal organs. The hollow design of the Verres needle allows for the safe entry into the abdominal cavity, and once inserted, gas can be insufflated to expand the space adequately. Other instruments listed have different primary functions; for example, a trocar is used to facilitate access into the abdominal cavity after the pneumoperitoneum has been established but is not the initial instrument used to create it. Similarly, a scalpel is primarily used for incisions, and a Bovie pen (electrosurgical unit) is utilized for cutting or coagulating tissue. Thus, while all these instruments are important in surgical practice, the Verres needle is the essential tool specifically geared towards establishing the pneumoperitoneum.