The word Laparoscopy simply means visual examination of the abdomen by means of a laparoscope. Often called “belly button surgery”, endoscopy, or keyhole surgery, it is a surgical technique involving small incisions in the abdomen through which major surgical procedures can be performed. One of the incisions of a laparoscopic procedure is made in the umbilicus (“belly button”).

A laparoscope (something like a small telescope) is placed through this incision and attached to a small video camera. During the laparoscopic procedure, the video image is viewed on a television monitor in the operating room. Moving the laparoscope closer to the pelvic organs magnifies the area under investigation or operation.

Laparoscopy has been around since the 1850’s and has evolved into a surgical technique used primarily for making diagnosis. In 1989, the world’s first hysterectomy was performed using a laparoscope. Many advanced surgical procedures have been performed and perfected in the field of laparoscopy since that time.

Laparoscopy can be used in the following cases:

• Diagnostic laparoscopy
• Tubal sterilization
• Adhesiolysis
• Treatment of endometriosis
• Treatment of ectopic pregnancy
• Ovarian cystectomy
• Oophorectomy
• Myomectomy
• Hysterectomy
• Oncologic procedures