Laparoscopy is a procedure doctors use to look inside the abdomen. It can help to identify and diagnose a range of conditions, including appendicitis and ovarian cysts.
A small cut (incision) is made in the abdominal wall, and a laparoscope is passed through it into the abdomen. A laparoscope is a thin, bendy microscope with a light on the end. It can be used to look at the abdominal organs, take tissue samples (biopsy) and even carry out small operations (known as keyhole surgery). The images picked up by the laparoscope are displayed on a television monitor so that the surgeon can see what's happening in real time.
You may need to have a laparoscopy to investigate symptoms such as abdominal pain, pelvic pain or swelling in this area. Sometimes a laparoscopy is carried out if a previous test, such as an X-ray or scan, has identified a problem in your abdomen or pelvis.
Laparoscopy is also sometimes used to help surgeons see what they are doing if they need to perform open surgery. This is sometimes necessary for the removal of the gallbladder or appendix.
