Direct Trocar Versus Verres Needle Entry at Gynecologic Laparoscopy in Previous Scarred Abdomen: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique employed for diagnostic and surgical approaches. Minimally invasive technique compared to laparotomy offer the advantages such as reduced hospital stay, lower morbidity, reduced pain, and faster recovery(1). It has become the primary approach for diagnosing and treating gynecological diseases, favored for both benign and malignant conditions involving the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, as well as for diagnostic evaluations in cases like chronic pelvic pain and infertility (2).

Access to the abdomen is the main challenge of laparoscopic surgery. To minimize entry-related injuries like, subcutaneous emphysema, gastrointestinal tract perforation, and minor and major vascular injury for creation of pneumoperitoneum. Several techniques, instruments, and approaches have been introduced. Despite widespread awareness of laparoscopic entry guidelines, considerable variation in the techniques was adopted in clinical practice(3) However, the initial step of accessing the abdominal cavity presents inherent challenges, especially in patients with previous cesarean sections, whose abdominal anatomy may be altered by adhesions or scar tissue(4).

Several methods are used for laparoscopic entry. The most common techniques include Veress needle insertion (VNI), direct optical trocar entry, direct trocar insertion (DTI), and the Hasson technique(5).

VNI is the most common method that is used nowadays despite its slow insufflation rates and fatal complications .Veress needle can be introduced periumbilical or in the left hypochondrium. The Palmer's point is a favoured option for periumbilical Veress needle insertion. The point is located 3 cm below the left costal border at the mid-clavicular line. Many studies have found that there are safer and more effective alternate procedures for peritoneal access in patients following abdominal surgery(6).

The DTI technique requires the advancing of the trocar with a blind twisting motion into the peritoneum after the elevation of the anterior abdominal wall with one hand or with towel clamps. If visual inspection with the camera confirms proper placement, pneumoperitoneum is established with the insufflation of a gas. VN requires the insertion and retraction of a spring-loaded needle with an external diameter of 2 mm. When the tip of the needle penetrates through tissues and enters the peritoneal cavity, the inner stylet springs forward. Then, carbon dioxide is insufflated creating a pneumoperitoneum(7).