Gynaecological laparoscopy is a commonly performed procedure and represents gold standard care for diagnosis and treatment of a number of gynaecological conditions. Fortunately, deaths during gynaecological laparoscopy is rare, however when it does occur, all parties involved are deeply affected by such a catastrophic event.

This presentation aims to provide an overview of the reasons for the laparoscopic deaths and how we can learn from these events. The paucity of current literature, difficulties of recording such events and ongoing trends will be discussed whilst acknowledging the importance of continual upskilling of all gynaecological surgeons and trainees to minimise the risks of gynaecological deaths during laparoscopy.