A system and method is disclosed for controlling the performance of a pneumatically sealed trocar, wherein the system includes a controller for delivering variable DC voltage to a DC motor, a DC motor operatively connected to the controller for driving a pump operatively connected to a pneumatically sealed trocar, a pump driven by the DC motor for circulating pressurized gas through the pneumatically sealed trocar, and a sensor for sensing pressure and flow parameters between the pump and the pneumatically sealed trocar to provide a feedback control signal to the controller so that the controller can vary the voltage delivered to the DC motor to affect the output pressure and flow of the pump during a laparoscopic surgical procedure.