title: A safe, new approach to establishing a pneumoperitoneum at laparoscopy.
abstract: The traditional method of establishing a pneumoperitoneum before laparoscopic surgery is via a Verres needle inserted in the midline below the umbilicus while tenting the abdominal wall with the hand. A new approach is described in which preliminary surgical exposure and tenting of the linea alba immediately above the umbilicus is achieved before needle insertion through the superior margin of the umbilical ring. The advantages of this new technique over the conventional method are discussed. Further technical features important in the safe formation of the pneumoperitoneum are emphasized.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karatassas
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Hamilton
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011028:Pneumoperitoneum, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*