Laparoscopy, also known as minimally invasive surgery or keyhole surgery, is a surgical procedure used to examine or operate on the organs inside the abdomen or pelvis. It involves the use of a laparoscope—a thin, tube-like instrument equipped with a camera and light—that is inserted through small incisions in the abdominal wall.
Common Uses of Laparoscopy:
Diagnosis:
- Identifying the cause of abdominal or pelvic pain.
- Detecting conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or cancer.
Surgical Procedures:
- Removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).
- Treatment of appendicitis (appendectomy).
- Repair of hernias.
- Removal of ovarian cysts or tumors.
- Tubal ligation for sterilization.
- Treatment of ectopic pregnancy.
- Bariatric surgery for weight loss.
- Hysterectomy or myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids).