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Retroperitoneal great vessel injuries are a rare but dramatic complication of any minimally invasive procedure. We report a case of laceration of the anterior aspect of the inferior vena cava following insertion of the Verress needle during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A 32-year-old man was operated on for acute cholecystitis. During the insertion of the Verress needle, a laceration of the anterior aspect of the inferior vena cava occurred. Immediate conversion and suture of the vessel were performed. The patient did well and was discharged after 24 days because of postoperative pancreatitis, managed with medical therapy. Major vascular injuries during laparoscopic procedures are rare but catastrophic complications which may endanger the patient's life. Over 75% of these lesions occur during insertion of the Verress needle or the Hasson trocar. Prompt diagnosis and immediate conversion are mandatory for correct management of these injuries so as to minimise morbidity and mortality.