Vascular trauma secondary to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures: laparoscopy.

Diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy are safe procedures that only rarely cause significant morbidity. However, major abdominal arterial and venous injury may occur, requiring prompt recognition and laparotomy. Direct compression will control major hemorrhage until resuscitation is complete. Vascular repair utilizing principles of proximal and distal control, good exposure, appropriate anticoagulation, and lateral suture technic should result in restoration of normal blood flow without significant sequelae.