Definition

Noun: A minimally invasive surgical procedure. A surgeon uses a laparoscope—a thin, lighted tube with a camera—to examine the organs inside the abdomen or pelvis. The laparoscope is inserted through a small incision, allowing the surgeon to view the internal cavity on a video monitor. This procedure is often used for diagnosis, biopsy, or performing certain types of surgery.

Usage

Laparoscopy is used as a countable noun to refer to the medical procedure itself. - The doctor recommended a laparoscopy to investigate the cause of the chronic pelvic pain. - After the laparoscopy, the patient had only two tiny scars. - Diagnostic laparoscopies are common for evaluating infertility.

Advanced Usage

• Diagnostic laparoscopy: A procedure performed primarily to examine and diagnose a condition, often when imaging tests are inconclusive.
• Operative/Surgical laparoscopy: A procedure where surgical instruments are inserted through additional small incisions alongside the laparoscope to perform operations, such as removing an ovarian cyst or appendix.

Variants and Related Words

• Laparoscope (noun): The instrument used in a laparoscopy.
• Laparoscopic (adjective): Relating to or performed by laparoscopy. (e.g., ).
• Laparoscopically (adverb): Performed using laparoscopy. (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Keyhole surgery: An informal term emphasizing the small incisions.
• Minimally invasive surgery: A broader category of surgical techniques, including laparoscopy.
• Endoscopy: A general term for procedures using a scope to look inside the body; laparoscopy is a specific type of abdominal endoscopy.

Related Phrases

• To undergo a laparoscopy: To have the procedure performed.
• To perform a laparoscopy: To carry out the procedure (used from the surgeon's perspective).

Noun

1. laparotomy performed with a laparoscope that makes a small incision to examine the abdominal cavity (especially the ovaries and Fallopian tubes)