Large pelvic arteriovenous malformation complicating laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Pelvic arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are rare, usually congenital, lesions, which can pose significant difficulties for pelvic surgeons. We present a case of an AVM complicating laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Unexpected failure of preoperative control led to significant intraoperative difficulty. The advantages of an antegrade approach and optimal magnification afforded by the laparoscopic approach led to successful completion of the operation with minimal morbidity.