Delayed recognition of iliac artery injury during laparoscopic surgery.

Vascular injury is one of the major complications of laparoscopic surgery. Prompt diagnosis is crucial for proper management of this potentially life-threatening complication. Two cases of iliac artery puncture occurred during operative laparoscopy. The injuries were not diagnosed immediately, probably due to the initial accumulation of blood in the retroperitoneum. Significant damage to large blood vessels may not be readily apparent during laparoscopic surgery.