Laparoscopy is a surgical technique where a surgeon gains entry into the abdomen via small incisions ("key hole") around 5-10mm in size. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to create a working space, a slim camera is inserted to visualize the operating space, and special instruments are inserted through ports to perform the surgery. Since its invention in the early 1980's, laparoscopy has advanced substantially and now can be used to perform a wide variety of surgery. In many types of surgery such as appendix and gallbladder removal, laparoscopy has become the standard, while in other surgeries such as hernia repair and cancer resections, laparoscopy can be used in some patients. Due to patient, disease, and technical factors, not all abdominal operations can be done laparoscopically. Your surgeon can discuss if this is an option for you.