Safe and novel technique for peritoneal access in urologic laparoscopy without prior insufflation

Access to the peritoneum for transperitoneal laparoscopic surgery can be achieved using a variety of techniques, each of which has advantages and disadvantages as well as risks of complications. The endoscopic threaded imaging port (EndoTIP) is a metal, reusable, threaded visual-access cannula that is inserted by rotational rather than axial force. When the technique was described initially, capnoperitoneum was obtained prior to trocar insertion. We describe the results of our series using the EndoTIP port without prior capnoperitoneum.

All 165 patients who underwent urologic transperitoneal laparoscopic procedures using the EndoTIP performed by a single surgeon from October 2001 through June 2005 were reviewed. Twentyfive patients were morbidly obese, and 32 had had previous abdominal surgical procedures. All data regarding patient demographics, details of the procedures, and outcomes were obtained from a database developed for prospective data collection at our institution.

There were no complications associated with peritoneal access or trocar insertion. The average time required to obtain capnoperitoneum was <1 minute.

Insertion of the EndoTIP port without prior capnoperitoneum is a safe, quick, and reliable method for peritoneal access in laparoscopic surgery. By avoiding blind punctures of the abdominal cavity, the risk of complications during access is minimized. We believe this technique should be considered in preference to techniques where trocars are inserted blindly.