laparoscopy

noun

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

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

ˌla-pə-rə-ˈskä-pik 

adjective

laparoscopist

ˌla-pə-ˈrä-skə-pist 

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

Treatment Options Endometriosis is diagnosed during a laparoscopy and can be treated during this procedure.11 Ideally, your surgeon will cut out endometriosis lesions, scar tissue, and cysts that may be causing your symptoms or impacting your fertility. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 18 June 2025

As of 2025, the only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis is to undergo a laparoscopy—a procedure in which a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the body to examine internal organs. —Monique Wilson, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2025

October 2018 Diagnostic laparoscopy confirms endometriosis. —Health, 5 Mar. 2025

Another gynecologist prescribes a diagnostic laparoscopy, which confirms endometriosis on my diaphragm. —Health, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for laparoscopy

• colonoscopy
• arthroscopy
• colposcopy
• cystoscopy
• fluoroscopy
• spectroscopy

Medical Definition

laparoscopy

noun

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

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

-rə-ˈskäp-ik 

adjective

laparoscopically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb