An insufflation/desufflation apparatus/system, and method of use thereof. An airtight tube is secured circumferentially to the opening of an endoscopic containment bag. The tube is attached to a valve and a small conduit for insufflating (pressurizing) and desufflating (depressurizing) the tube. The tube is formed of a highly pliable material, similar to the plastic of the pliable containment bag. When the tube is desufflated, the bag and tube are easily folded and wrapped for passage into the peritoneal cavity via a standard laparoscopic port. When the tube is insufflated via the conduit, air fills the closed tube and makes the whole structure substantially rigid in the shape of the containment bag opening around which it is secured. The result is that the bag is forced open by the now rigid, insufflated tube.
