Alternate technique for cul-de-sac insufflation for laparoscopy

The alternative method for cul-de-sac insufflation for laparoscopy presented here employs a 16-gauge butterfly needle attached to a ring-tip forceps. This needle is passed easily through the posterior fornix into the pouch of Douglas. The 100 women in the study underwent this cul-de-sac insufflation procedure without intraoperative or postoperative complications. Pneumoperitoneum was achieved in all 100 cases. Slightly higher intra-abdominal pressures (16 to 20 mm Hg) and slower rates of CO2 delivery were observed during the procedure.