OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new closed parallel technique of Veress needle insertion and to compare this method with the conventional closed approach. METHODS Sequential, randomized, prospective, single-blind clinical trial. METHODS University hospital. METHODS Women undergoing elective diagnostic and/or operative laparoscopy. Subjects (n = 200) were assigned randomly to undergo the conventional closed method (group 1; n = 100) or the new parallel technique (group 2; n = 100) of Veress needle insertion. METHODS Randomization of the patients was performed in the operating room. The investigator performed both diagnostic and operative laparoscopy in both study groups. METHODS Safety and effectiveness of the needle insertion technique. RESULTS There were no significant differences in demographics between the groups, or in the time required for Veress needle insertion to establish pneumoperitoneum. There were no nonlethal major or minor intraoperative complications associated with either laparoscopic approach. CONCLUSIONS There is no significant disadvantage to the parallel technique of Veress pneumoperitoneum needle insertion compared with the conventional closed approach. This new technique avoids the anatomic location of large vessels during insertion and may serve as a safeguard to decrease the potential for lethal laceration of a major vessel.