INTRODUCTION:
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the “Gold standard" for elective treatment of symptomatic gallstone disease. Laparoscopic abdominal surgery requires the implementation of successful pneumoperitoneum in the vast majority of patients with more than half of all complications occurring at the time of entry. Therefore, optimizing the entry technique is essential. There is scarcity of studies comparing the DTI with the Optical trocar technique as asafe and alternative method in creation of pneumoperitoneum.

AIM OF THE WORK:
The aim of this randomized comparative study was to evaluate the safety of abdominal access usingthe optical trocar (Visiport®) versus blind initialtrocar insertion without prior pneumoperitoneum with Veress Needle for establishing pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
In the period from April 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022, 162 patients with symptomatic gallstone disease were admitted to the HPB Surgical Unit in AUMH. A total of 62 patients were excluded, 50 for having PUH, and 12 patients for having upper abdominal scar from previous surgery.
The remaining 100 patients constituted our study cohort which were randomly allocated to OT (optical trocar) and BT (blind trocar) groups with 50 patients per group.
Preoperative assessment: Thorough history, Routine laboratory investigations and abdominal ultrasonography.