A modified method of open laparoscopy was performed on 568 consecutive patients requiring laparoscopy or laparoscopic surgery. There were no intraoperative complications related to the technique. All patients were reviewed at 1 week following surgery; 4% had minor umbilical sepsis, while none had a postoperative hernia. The modifications to the technique of open laparoscopy described here make it simple and efficient while maintaining the safety inherent with this technique.