We sought to assess the outcome of large retroperitoneal vascular injury that occurred during operative laparoscopy but was not related to trocar or Veress needle injury. We conducted a retrospective review of cases operated and reviewed by our centres. Eight cases were identified. Four women were undergoing lymphadenectomy, where vascular injury is a recognized risk. Distorted anatomy was a compounding factor in three of the remaining four patients who were undergoing intraperitoneal procedures. The injuries involved the inferior vena cava (n = 2), the right external iliac artery (n = 2), the left external iliac artery (n = 1), the right external iliac vein (n = 1), the hypogastric artery (n = 1) and the inferior mesenteric artery (n = 1). Injuries were caused by unipolar electrode (n = 1), electrosurgical scissors (n = 3), sharp scissors (n = 2) and CO(2) laser (n = 2). The vessel injury was repaired at laparotomy in four women. The other four cases were managed laparoscopically. Transfusion attributable to the vascular injury occurred in two cases. The outcome in all cases was good, except for one in which the patient died. These cases demonstrate that all energy sources used without proper understanding and caution can cause significant vascular injury. The adequacy and safety of laparoscopic control of major vessel bleeding should be investigated further and consultation with a vascular surgeon should be considered in all cases.