Comments in response to letters on the potential hazards of laparoscopy are presented. Laparoscopic instruments should be carefully checked before each procedure. The insertion of the pneumoperitoneum ne edle is important to the safety of the procedure. The needle should be inserted through the skin into the subdermal adipose layer of the abdominal wall only. The abdominal wall below the umbilicus should then be raised so that the needle may be passed through the fascia and peritoneum in a nearly horizontal direction. The needle should never be introduced with the gas source attached and flowing. The establishment of special training centers for endoscopic procedures is encouraged.