Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light attached is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen. This allows surgeons to view the internal organs on a monitor and perform various surgical procedures with greater precision and minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgery. Laparoscopy is commonly used for diagnostic purposes, as well as for procedures such as gallbladder removal, hernia repair, and hysterectomy. It is associated with shorter recovery times, less pain, and reduced risk of complications compared to open surgery.