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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Surgical ablation: Healthcare providers perform surgical ablations using minimally invasive laparoscopy and open-heart surgical procedures. Carisa Brewster, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024 Diagnostic laparoscopy and biopsy (tissue sample) Genetic testing based on diagnosis When to Treat Virilization The timing and choice of treatment of virilization depends on factors that include the cause of the syndrome as well as the age and overall health of the affected person. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024 The laparoscopy found 37 lesions and a cyst on her ovary, which was removed via surgery. Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 4 May 2024 That's a common term in the UK for a laparoscopy, where a doctor makes a small incision and inserts a camera to guide the procedure. Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for laparoscopy 

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 7 Dec. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on laparoscopy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!