What does laparoscopic mean?
Laparoscopic is an adjective describing a procedure performed with a laparoscope, a viewing instrument inserted through a small incision, usually in the abdomen. It is most often used in medicine to describe surgery carried out with several small access points rather than one large open incision. The approach can provide a smaller external wound, less postoperative pain, and a faster recovery for suitable patients, although its benefits depend on the procedure and the individual case. The word also conveys the broader idea of minimally invasive surgery. It is distinct from “endoscopic,” which is a wider term that can refer to the use of an endoscope anywhere in the body, and from “laparotomy,” which names an incision through the abdominal wall rather than a technique for performing an operation.
adjectiveRelating to or involving laparoscopy, especially surgery performed through small incisions using a laparoscope and specialized instruments.
- Relating to laparoscopy or to surgery performed using a laparoscope.
"The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery and recovered within a few days."
"Laparoscopic removal of the appendix is now common practice."
"Her physician explained the advantages of a laparoscopic procedure."
Laparoscopy transformed abdominal surgery by turning a large open incision into a few small access points.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does laparoscopic come from?
The word combines the combining form laparo-, from Greek lapāra, meaning “belly” or “abdomen,” with -scopic, from Greek skopein, meaning “to look at” or “examine.” The related noun laparoscope refers to an instrument used to inspect the interior of the abdomen. The term developed in the early 20th century as surgery using abdominal endoscopy became established, and its use expanded with advances in fibre-optic and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Related word forms
How laparoscopic is actually used
The term is primarily used in medicine and is usually associated with abdominal or pelvic procedures. It is often used figuratively as “less invasive,” but it does not mean that a procedure is free of risk.
Easily confused with laparoscopic
Laparoscopic specifically refers to surgery performed through small abdominal incisions, whereas endoscopic can refer more broadly to examination or treatment through an endoscope.
A laparotomy is an incision made into the abdominal wall to access the abdominal cavity, while laparoscopic describes a minimally invasive approach using small incisions and a scope.