Evaluation of Abdominal Wall Thickness at Possible Trocar Sites Based on Body Mass Index

Patients already scheduled for laparoscopy will be approached for participation prior to
surgery. During laparoscopy, the investigators routinely inject port sites with a 21-gauge
needle and inject sites with local anesthetic prior to trocar placement. In the study the
investigators will insert a 21-gauge 3.5inch spinal needle perpendicular to the abdominal
wall at each possible trocar site. The seven insertion sites are the umbilicus; 12cm lateral
to umbilicus on right; 12cm lateral to umbilicus on left; Left lower quadrant lateral to
inferior epigastric; Right lower quadrant lateral to inferior epigastric, Lower midline of
abdomen; Left upper quadrant at Palmer's Point. The needle will be placed after the abdomen
is insufflated under direct visualization with the laparoscopic camera. The needle will be
inserted to the level of the peritoneum and a hemostat will be place on the needle at the
level of the epidermis. The abdominal wall thickness will be measured with a ruler and
recorded to the nearest millimeter. The information will be recorded on the case report form
attached. The case report form will be kept in a binder in the research coordinators office.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Patients between the age of 18-64; BMI greater than 18.5

Exclusion Criteria:

- Abdominal hernias