Laparoscopy is a type of surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to access the inside of the abdomen (tummy) and pelvis without having to make large incisions in the skin. This procedure is also known as keyhole surgery or minimally invasive surgery.

When an abdominal laparoscopy is performed, a doctor uses an instrument called a laparoscope to look at the abdominal organs. A laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a high intensity light and a high resolution camera at the front. The instrument is inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall. As it moves along, the camera sends images to a video monitor.

A laparoscopy allows your doctor to see inside your body in real time, without having to make large incisions. Your doctor can also obtain biopsy samples during this procedure, as well as also perform surgery.