Laparoscopy is a type of surgical procedure that allows a doctor to observe a woman's uterus, ovaries and fallopian tube. It is often used to detect ovarian cysts, scar tissue, and diagnose pelvic or abdominal pain, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, or blocked fallopian tubes.

Laparoscopies are usually done as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The viewing tube (called the laparoscope)--which is equipped with a small camera on the eyepiece--is inserted through a small incision in the navel. The doctor can then examine the abdominal and pelvic organs on a video monitor connected to the tube. Other small incisions can be made to insert instruments to perform a variety of procedures. Laparoscopy is less invasive than regular open abdominal surgery (laparotomy).

Laparoscopy was first used by gynecologists to diagnose and treat conditions relating to the female reproductive organs: uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It is now used for...