Lesions of the abdominal vessels are becoming more frequent owing to the increase in the number of laparoscopies carried out with trochars: they occur in fact in 2% of cases. A study has been carried out to compare the effectiveness of 2 methods for stopping haemorrhage: the use of a Foley catheter and suturing with a Reverdin needle. Abdominal haemorrhages take place as a result of lesions during introduction of accessory trochars in the superficial, circumflex and deep epigastric vessels. Six patients were treated with Foley's catheter while 13 were treated with Reverdin's needle under visual control, maintaining the same operative route, something that is not possible with the Foley catheter. Patients treated with suturing were discharged within 24 hours without irritation or pain.