LAPAROSCOPY - Laparoscopy involves the use of a fiberoptic flexible scope that is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a small (1 inch) incision. Using a special TV camera attached to the laparoscope, the physician can view the procedure on a monitor (as he works). Small adjacent incisions allow for the introduction of special surgical instruments. Laparoscopy has been useful in a wide variety of abdominal surgical procedures such as gall bladder removal, appendectomy, stomach surgery, hernia repair, adhesiolysis, biopsies, and intestinal anastomosis. Obstetrics and gynecology have also found extensive use for this technology in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders in the pelvis (e.g. endometriosis, tubal pregnancy, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cancer).