Vascular injury by tacks during totally extraperitoneal endoscopic inguinal hernioplasty

Totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic hernioplasty is a consolidated approach for treating recurrent and bilateral inguinal hernias. However, it may be associated, albeit very rarely, with vascular lesions that can endanger the patient's life. A proper anatomic knowledge of the posterior aspect of the inguinal region and a perfect command of the laparoscopic technique are essential for avoiding and, if necessary, treating these lesions. We present an unusual case of an arterial lesion of the aberrant obturator artery of the corona mortis during fixation of the mesh with a tacker.