Blind peritoneal access during laparoscopy: why is it still being used?

Laparoscopy is an important diagnostic and therapeutic modality. It is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. Gaining access into the peritoneal cavity and insufflation is the first step in any laparoscopy. This should be the safest part of the procedure. We present a case in which closed induction of the pneumoperitoneum caused a near fatality that could have been avoided had an open technique been used. Endovascular therapy was used to prevent lethal complications of the patient's injuries. In the light of this case and the available literature on this topic, we question whether continued use of closed pneumoperitoneum induction for laparoscopy is still justified.