A laparoscopy, also known as a diagnostic laparoscopy, is a surgical diagnostic procedure used to examine the organs inside the abdomen, as well as other closed spaces, such as the knees. It’s a low risk, minimally invasive procedure that requires only small incisions. When an abdominal laparoscopy is performed, a doctor uses an instrument called a laparoscope to look at the abdominal organs. A laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a high intensity light and a high resolution camera at the front. The instrument is inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall. As it moves along, the camera sends images to a video monitor. A laparoscopy allows your doctor to see inside your body in real time, without having to make large incisions.