Laparoscopy Laparoscopy is a type of surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to access the inside of the abdomen (tummy) and pelvis without having to make large incisions in the skin. This procedure is also known as keyhole surgery or minimally invasive surgery. What is laparoscopy done for? A laparoscopy is a type of keyhole surgery used to inspect and operate on the organs inside the abdominal (belly) and pelvic area. Laparoscopy can be used for diagnosis, by viewing the internal organs or taking a tissue sample (biopsy). It may also be used to treat a problem surgically at the same time.