laparoscopy

noun

lap·​a·​ros·​co·​py ˌla-pə-ˈrä-skə-pē How to pronounce laparoscopy (audio)
plural laparoscopies
1
: visual examination of the abdomen by means of a laparoscope
2
: an operation (such as tubal ligation or gallbladder removal) involving laparoscopy
laparoscopic adjective
laparoscopist noun

Did you know?

Since laparo- means "wall of the abdomen", a laparoscope is an endoscope designed especially to examine the abdomen. Common laparoscopic surgeries include removal of the gallbladder, appendix, or kidney, and removal of tumors from abdominal organs. Like the other endoscopic surgeries, laparoscopy, as compared to traditional surgery, reduces risk of bleeding, pain following the operation, patient recovery time, and length of hospital stays.

Examples of laparoscopy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Irwin’s close friend, who had endometriosis, urged her to undergo a laparoscopy — a minimally invasive method for the diagnosis and treatment of intra-abdominal diseases. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 23 Aug. 2023 For now, small patches of the flexible pressure sensors could be used as a coating for surgical tools used in laparoscopy, says Stefan Mannsfeld, a Stanford researcher who led the electronic skin development. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Sep. 2010 The scary moment pushed her to undergo a laparoscopy — a minimally invasive method for the diagnosis and treatment of intra-abdominal diseases. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 23 Aug. 2023 They’re typically treated surgically, which can be done with a minimally invasive laparoscopy, or with a skin incision over the hernia to support this area where there’s a weakening within the pelvic cavity. Addison Aloian, Women's Health, 15 June 2023 This is usually performed with laparoscopy rather than open surgery. Doru Paul, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2023 He was put on a feeding tube, and an exploratory laparoscopy showed potential signs of an infection that was resolving, but no action was deemed needed. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 24 June 2022 Of course, depending on your condition and what’s available laparoscopy may not be possible. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 31 Jan. 2022 The doctor also submitted bills for 75 other invasive procedures, such as dilation and curettage and laparoscopy, and for 740 office visits by detainees over five years. Jeremy Redmon, ajc, 4 Sep. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'laparoscopy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of laparoscopy was in 1916

Dictionary Entries Near laparoscopy

Cite this Entry

“Laparoscopy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laparoscopy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

laparoscopy

noun
lap·​a·​ros·​co·​py ˌlap-ə-ˈräs-kə-pē How to pronounce laparoscopy (audio)
plural laparoscopies
1
: visual examination of the inside of the abdomen by means of a laparoscope

called also peritoneoscopy

2
: an operation (as tubal ligation or gallbladder removal) involving laparoscopy
laparoscopic adjective
laparoscopically adverb

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