Etymed
laparoscopy
Definition
A medical procedure that involves examining the abdominal cavity using a laparoscope
Clinical context
A 28-year-old woman presents with severe pelvic pain and infertility. During her workup, her physician performs a diagnostic laparoscopy to visualize the abdominal organs and identify potential causes of her symptoms. The procedure reveals endometriosis with adhesions between the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The laparoscopic approach allows for both diagnosis and treatment in a minimally invasive manner.
Mnemonic
LAPAROSCOPY = Look Around the Abdomen for POUCHY lesions (ovarian cysts, endometriosis)