Definition

Noun: A laparoscope is a slender, tubular optical instrument (a type of endoscope) equipped with a light and a camera. It is designed to be inserted through a small incision in the abdominal wall to allow a surgeon to visually examine the interior of the abdominal cavity and pelvic organs. It is a key tool in minimally invasive surgery.

Usage

The laparoscope is used primarily in surgical procedures known as laparoscopy. It transmits images from inside the body to a video monitor, guiding the surgeon.

Examples

• The surgeon inserted the laparoscope through a tiny incision near the navel.
• During the diagnostic procedure, the laparoscope revealed no abnormalities in the abdominal organs.
• Modern laparoscopes provide high-definition video feeds for greater precision.

Advanced Usage

• Diagnostic Laparoscopy: The laparoscope is used to investigate the cause of abdominal or pelvic pain, infertility, or other conditions without the need for a large open surgery.
• Operative/Surgical Laparoscopy: In this application, the laparoscope acts as the surgeon's "eyes" while specialized surgical instruments are inserted through other small incisions to perform procedures like gallbladder removal, hernia repair, or biopsies.

Variants and Related Words

• Laparoscopy (n): The surgical procedure or technique of using a laparoscope.
  • She underwent a laparoscopy to diagnose the cause of her chronic pain.
• Laparoscopic (adj): Pertaining to or performed using a laparoscope.
  • Laparoscopic surgery typically results in faster recovery times.

Synonyms

• Endoscope (a more general term for instruments used to look inside the body).
• Surgical telescope (a descriptive synonym).

Related Phrases/Concepts

• Minimally Invasive Surgery: The broad category of surgery, including laparoscopy, that uses devices like the laparoscope to operate with minimal damage to the body.
• Keyhole Surgery: An informal term for laparoscopic surgery, referring to the small incisions used.

Noun

1. a slender endoscope inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall in order to examine the abdominal organs or to perform minor surgery