Background: Intra-abdominal great vessel injury is a rare complication of lumbar intervertebral disc operations. However it may be underestimated for its unpredictable clinical manifestations. Delay in proper diagnosis and appropriate management of the sequellae often results in death of the patient.

Materials and Methods: A 30-year-old man with aortic injury during L4/L5 posterior discectomy is presented and its management discussed.

Conclusion: Attention of the surgical team and rapid intervention is the key factor in treatment, prevention of severe complications and even death.