(peritoneoscope) n. a surgical instrument (a type of *endoscope) comprising an illuminated viewing tube generally connected to a camera, with the image viewed on a video screen. It is inserted through the abdominal wall to enable the surgeon to view the abdominal organs (see laparoscopy). It can be used as a means to allow surgical procedures to be carried out with special instruments, through several small skin incisions. See also minimally invasive surgery.... laparoscope
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