Major vascular injury and laparoscopy.

Iatrogenic vascular trauma is a hazard that must be considered constantly during any laparoscopic procedure. We present a case of vessel penetration presenting as CO2 embolism during insufflation where delayed recognition of the vascular implications of this event led to death from exsanguination. The pattern of laparoscopic vascular injuries in Australia as reported to the Medical Defence Union (UK) and the New South Wales Medical Defence Union is reviewed and compared with previously reported cases of vascular trauma in laparoscopy. Recommendations are made for the diagnosis and most importantly for the prevention of CO2 embolism and major vascular injury at laparoscopy.