Which procedure involves inserting a scope through the abdomen to view the interior for diagnostic or operative purposes?

• A. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
• B. Laryngoscopy
• C. Laparoscopy
• D. Hysterosalpingography

Answer: (C)

In laparoscopy, a scope is inserted through small incisions in the abdomen to view the internal organs for diagnosis or to perform surgery. The laparoscope carries a camera and light, providing a magnified view of the abdominal and pelvic organs, and additional instruments can be passed through other incisions to conduct procedures. This approach is minimally invasive compared with open surgery and is used both to diagnose conditions (like abdominal pain or infertility factors) and to treat them surgically.

Lumbar puncture involves placing a needle into the lower back to access cerebrospinal fluid, not inserting a scope through the abdomen. Laryngoscopy uses a scope to visualize the larynx via the mouth or nose, not the abdomen. Hysterosalpingography uses dye and X-ray to image the uterus and fallopian tubes through the vaginal route, without inserting a scope through the abdomen.