Direct trocar insertion: alternative abdominal entry technique for laparoscopic surgery

The study was designed to assess the feasibility of direct trocar technique for accessing the abdominal cavity for operative laparoscopy. A retrospective review of 1500 patients who underwent Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital and a private hospital between January 1999 and July 2002 was done. The transumbilical direct trocar entry method was used in 1375, the veress needle insertion technique was employed in 106 patients and open laparoscopy was used in 19 patients. Six (0.4%) Major complications occurred; 4 enterotomy and 2 omental herniation. All the enterotomy was related to primary access. Three (0.22%) during direct trocar entry method and another by open laparoscopy method. The bowel was repaired. Two patients had omental herniation through the umbilical port site related to open laparoscopy method which were repaired. Based on our experience the direct trocar technique is a safe approach to abdominal entry for laparoscopic surgery without prior pneumoperitoneum.