Direct cannula entry for laparoscopy.

The common blind puncture technique for inserting a cannula to establish pneumoperitoneum was first described by Veress in 1938 and carries several significant and specific complications such as gas embolism, subcutaneous inflation, failed pneumoperitoneum, and bowel or visceral insufflation. Direct cannula insertion is both safe and effective. No major complications using this technique occurred in a series of 550 consecutive laparoscopies. It would seem that the patient who is served safely by a Veress needle approach is equally served by direct cannula entry.