Laparoscopic surgery, also called minimally invasive surgery (MIS),is a modern surgical technique in which operations in the abdomen are performed through small incisions (usually 0.5 - 1.5 cm) as compared to larger incisions needed in traditional surgical procedures. Laparoscopic surgery includes operations within the abdominal or pelvic cavities.

The key element in laparoscopic surgery is the use of a laparoscope: a telescopic rod lens system, that is usually connected to a video camera and allows the surgeon to examine the abdominal and pelvic organs on a video monitor connected to the camera. The abdomen is usually insufflated with carbon dioxide gas to create a working and viewing space. The abdomen is essentially blown up like a balloon (insufflated), elevating the abdominal wall above the internal organs like a dome. The gas used is CO2 which is non-flammable and can be removed by the respiratory system if it absorbs through tissue. Other small incisions can be made to insert instruments to perform procedures. Laparoscopy can be done to diagnose conditions or to perform certain types of operations. It is less invasive than regular open abdominal surgery (laparotomy) The procedure is being studied to determine if it is as effective as open surgery in complex operations.

The laparoscopic technique dates back to 1901, when it was reportedly first used in a gynecologic procedure performed in Russia. Since the late 1980s, laparoscopy has been a popular diagnostic and treatment tool and it is widely used in procedures for cancerous and non-cancerous conditions that in the past required open surgery.

The benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery compared to the conventional open surgery include less post operative pain, faster recovery time, shorter hospital stay, earlier return to full activities, smaller scars, less internal scarring, less risk of wound infection and incisional hernia.

The laparoscopic surgery is not without complication. The complications of laparoscopic surgery can be divided into two categories: those which are specific to the procedure itself or result from anesthesia and are common to all operations and those which are unique to laparoscopy, such as injury from trocar insertion and the cardiopulmonary problems secondary to the pneumoperitoneum. However the overall complication rates are not significantly different from the open technique.

Patients should be evaluated medically as they would be for any open procedure, with particular attention paid to their cardiac and pulmonary status. Any laparoscopic procedure may need to be converted to an open one.