title: A safe and simple method for routine open access in laparoscopic procedures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Access to the peritoneal cavity in laparoscopic procedures is generally achieved by means of a pneumoperitoneum, following introduction of a Veress needle. Because this procedure must be done blindly, it is not without visceral or vascular hazards. Therefore, we sought an alternative technique that might obviate these complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a series of 803 patients, a modified Hasson technique was used to obtain a pneumoperitoneum without risking the complications associated with the introduction of a Veress needle.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The modified Hasson technique proved to be feasible in all cases. No visceral or vascular complications resulted, but 10 patients had a transient serous discharge. Follow-up ranged between 5 and 52 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The modified Hasson technique should always be used in laparoscopic procedures.
authors.affiliation: Academic Surgical Center Stuivenberg, Lange Beeldekensstraat 267, B-2060 Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lafullarde
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Van Hee
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gys
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D020706:Laparoscopes; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D011028:Pneumoperitoneum, Artificial / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*