Aim: To compare the number of attempts at creating pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic cholecystectomy using direct trocar versus veress needle insertion techniques.

Design: Randomized controlled trial

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Surgery, Allama Iqbal Memorial Hospital Sialkot and Govt. Sardar Begum Teaching Hospital, Sialkot from 27th September 2017 to 26th September 2020.

Methodology: Six hundred and eight patients of both male and female patients, having uncomplicated cholelithiasis were selected. All participants were randomized into two equal groups, Group A (direct trocarInsertion) and the Group B (veress needle insertion). All trocars and veress needle used were disposable, with a safety shield. All procedures were carried out by the single experienced surgeons and his team. Data was noted, regarding age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and the number of attempts to create the successful pneumoperitoneum.

Results: The number of attempts to create successful pneumoperitoneum in DTI group was significantly feweras compared to VNI group (p=0.026) but we found no statisticallysignificant difference between age, gender, and body mass index.

Conclusion: The direct trocar insertion is a safe alternative to veress needle insertion in laparoscopic cholecystectomy because it requires fewernumber of attempts for successful creation of pneumoperitoneum as compared to the veress needle.

Key words: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Veress needle insertion, Direct trocar insertion, Pneumoperitoneum