Common Laparoscopic Procedures
Laparoscopy is used for a wide range of abdominal and pelvic operations. These pages explain the most common ones in general terms.
Page last updated: September 2026
The descriptions below are general and educational. The details of any operation — whether it is suitable for you, how it is performed, and what your recovery will look like — depend on your diagnosis and your surgeon's assessment.
Gallbladder surgery
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, most often performed for gallstones.
Hernia surgery
Keyhole repair of groin and abdominal wall hernias, usually with mesh.
Appendectomy
Removal of an inflamed appendix, commonly done as an emergency.
Gynaecological laparoscopy
Used for ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis and fertility assessment.
Diagnostic laparoscopy
Looking inside the abdomen when tests and scans are not conclusive.
What most laparoscopic procedures have in common
- A pre-operative assessment, blood tests and often imaging
- Anaesthesia, usually general anaesthesia
- Two to four small cuts, a camera, and carbon dioxide gas to create space
- Wound closure with stitches, clips or glue
- Observation after surgery, then discharge instructions and a follow-up visit
Choosing between laparoscopic and open surgery
Both approaches have a place. Factors that influence the decision include the diagnosis and how advanced it is, whether the operation is planned or an emergency, previous abdominal surgery, your general health, and the experience and equipment available. In some cases an operation begun laparoscopically is converted to open surgery for safety.
Questions worth asking
- Why is this procedure being recommended for me, and what are the alternatives?
- Will it be laparoscopic or open, and what could change during surgery?
- What are the likely benefits and the main risks in my case?
- How long is the expected hospital stay and recovery?
- What will the estimate cover, and what may be billed separately?
More on preparation and recovery is in the patient guide, and general risks are explained on the risks page. For cost factors, see laparoscopy cost in India.