DIRECT CANNULA ENTRY FOR LAPAROSCOPY

The common blind puncture technique for inserting a cannula to establi sh pneumoperitoneum was first described by Veress in 1938 and carries several significant and specific complications such as gas embolism, s ubcutaneous inflation, failed pneumoperitoneum, and bowel or visceral insufflation. Direct cannula insertion is both safe and effective. No major complications using this technique occurred in a series of 550 c onsecutive laparoscopies. It would seem that the patient who is served safely by a Veress needle approach is equally served by direct cannul a entry.