ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Chirurgia 2002 August-October;15(4-5):139-42

Copyright © 2002 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Verres needle pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Florio G., Cisternino S., Pinna G. F., Nazzaro A., Fava A., Polito S.

Background. The technique used by the authors to gain access to the abdominal cavity by direct puncture for laparoscopic cholecystectomy is described.
Methods. The Authors have performed between June 1991 and August 2001, at the Surgical Department of San Giovanni Battista Hospital in Zagarolo (Rome), 1,431 videolaparoscopic cholecystectomies, using the Veress needle technique; 24 (1.67%) were performed in 12 patients with previous abdominal operation (7 gastric resections, 1 anterior resection for cancer, 1 splenectomy, 1 liver hydatid pericystectomy, 1 peritoneal surgical drainage and 1 laparotomy), in 1 patient with ventriculoperitoneal shunt for acoustic neurinoma and in 11 Child A cirrhotics.
Results. In the group of 24 patients, vascular or bowel injuries due to the blind access were not observed. The hydatid cyst patient only (2.94%) had to be turned to open operation because of adhesions. There were neither perioperative mortality, nor postoperative complications. Postoperative mortality was nil.
Conclusions. The conclusion is drawn that a careful Veress needle insertion is a safe and simple technique and may be easily carried out in any patient.