laparoscopy

noun lap·a·ros·co·py \ ˌla-pə-ˈrä-skə-pē \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Editor's Note: Did You Know?

Definition of laparoscopy

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

play \ˌla-pə--rə-ˈskä-pik\ adjective

—

laparoscopist

play \ˌla-pə-ˈrä-skə-pist\ noun

Recent Examples of laparoscopy from the Web

Still, if the pain doesn’t go away after multiple laparoscopies, a woman may elect to do a hysterectomy and oophorectomy to remove the uterus and target estrogen production.

— zahra barnes, SELF, "Lena Dunham Had a Total Hysterectomy to Treat Her Endometriosis," 14 Feb. 2018
Lapovations is a medical device company focused on improving laparoscopy.

— andrea rumbaugh, Houston Chronicle, "$2M awarded during 2018 Rice Business Plan Competition," 9 Apr. 2018
Medical complications occurred in just 0.06% of women who underwent hysteroscopic and 0.11% of those who underwent laparoscopy, the researchers found.

— jacqueline howard, CNN, "Essure or surgery? New study compares contraceptive risks," 13 Mar. 2018
My second laparoscopy for my Endometriosis was over the holidays and of course, who was right by my side?

— kate hogan, PEOPLE.com, "Then & Now: Julianne Hough Undergoes Two Surgeries for Endometriosis — with Pup Lexi by Her Side," 12 Jan. 2018
So scientists often use laparoscopy, sending a thin tube into each animal to view its organs.

— National Geographic, "99% of These Sea Turtles Are Turning Female—Here’s Why," 8 Jan. 2018
The surgery usually is a minimally invasive procedure, such as a laparoscopy or done with a small incision.

— kimberly fornek, chicagotribune.com, "Brookfield Zoo orangutan recovering after appendectomy by La Grange Hospital surgeons," 16 Feb. 2018
Other treatment options can happen during laparoscopy, where the surgeon can choose to remove or destroy lesions and scar tissue, though pain often returns after a short period of relief.

— elizabeth varnell, Vogue, "Why Lena Dunham's Choice to Get a Hysterectomy Matters to Women With Endometriosis," 14 Feb. 2018
In a sweet #FBF post shared on Jan. 12, Julianne Hough recounted two times when beloved pup Lexi wouldn’t leave her side following laparoscopy to treat her endometriosis.

— kate hogan, PEOPLE.com, "Then & Now: Julianne Hough Undergoes Two Surgeries for Endometriosis — with Pup Lexi by Her Side," 12 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'laparoscopy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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.

First Known Use of laparoscopy

1916

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

laparoscopy

noun lap·a·ros·co·py \ ˌlap-ə-ˈräs-kə-pē \

medical Definition of laparoscopy

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

play \-rə-ˈskäp-ik\ adjective

—

laparoscopically

play \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Learn More about laparoscopy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about laparoscopy

Seen and Heard

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laparoscopy

Definition of laparoscopy

laparoscopic

laparoscopist

Recent Examples of laparoscopy from the Web

Did You Know?

First Known Use of laparoscopy

Medical Dictionary

laparoscopy

medical Definition of laparoscopy

laparoscopic

laparoscopically

Learn More about laparoscopy

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laparoscopy

Definition of laparoscopy

laparoscopic

laparoscopist

Recent Examples of laparoscopy from the Web

Did You Know?

First Known Use of laparoscopy

Medical Dictionary

laparoscopy

medical Definition of laparoscopy

laparoscopic

laparoscopically

Learn More about laparoscopy

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