Laparoscopy is the examination of the inside of the abdomen by means of a laparoscope inserted through a small slit made near the navel. Laparoscopy is done under general anesthetic, and usually involves an overnight stay in the hospital.

Laparoscopy is a procedure to performincisions in the abdomen, usinga laparoscope (a small, lighted pencil-thin instrument) inserted through a small slit made near the navel for the purpose of diagnosis, biopsy or surgery.