Laparoscopic Surgery Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
da Vinci robot
A robotic surgical system that provides surgeons with enhanced dexterity and precision for minimally invasive procedures.
Pneumovagina
Accumulation of CO2 gas in the vagina during laparoscopic procedures, typically from uterine manipulation.
port placement
The strategic positioning of laparoscopic access points (trocars) to optimize surgical visualization and instrument mani...
port site hernia
A hernia that develops at the location where laparoscopic trocars were inserted, typically occurring when fascial defect...
pouch of Douglas
Deepest part of the peritoneal cavity between the uterus and rectum, frequently examined during laparoscopy.
Rectal injury
Inadvertent damage to the rectum during laparoscopic surgery, a serious complication requiring immediate recognition and...
rectosigmoid mobilization
Laparoscopic dissection technique to free the rectosigmoid colon from surrounding tissues for access to deep pelvic stru...
rectovesical pouch
The deepest part of the peritoneal cavity in males, located between the rectum and bladder where fluid collections commo...
reduced port surgery
A laparoscopic approach using fewer trocars than conventional multi-port techniques to minimize invasiveness.
Retroperitoneal space
Anatomical region behind the peritoneum containing major vessels, lymph nodes, and organs, relevant in advanced laparosc...
Rouviere's sulcus
Anatomical groove on the liver surface that serves as a landmark during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for identifying the...
SILS
Single-incision laparoscopic surgery performed through a single small incision, typically at the umbilicus.
single-port laparoscopy
A minimally invasive surgical technique performed through a single small incision, typically at the umbilicus.
specimen containment
Process of securing removed tissue in protective bags to prevent contamination during laparoscopic extraction.
specimen retrieval bag
A specialized bag used to safely remove tissue specimens during laparoscopic surgery.
subcutaneous emphysema
The presence of gas under the skin, often occurring as a complication of laparoscopic surgery when CO2 tracks through ti...
Suture anchor
Small titanium or bioabsorbable device used to secure sutures to bone in laparoscopic procedures.
TAPP
Trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal laparoscopic hernia repair technique accessing the inguinal region through the peritoneal...
TEP
Totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic hernia repair technique performed entirely in the pre-peritoneal space without ente...
thermal injury
Unintended tissue damage from heat generated by electrosurgical instruments during laparoscopy.
Thermal spread
Unintended extension of heat energy beyond the target tissue during electrosurgical procedures, potentially causing coll...
Trendelenburg position
A surgical positioning technique where the patient lies supine with the pelvis elevated higher than the head to improve...
triangle of pain
An anatomical area during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair where injury to lateral femoral cutaneous nerve may occur.
triangulation
The optimal positioning of laparoscopic instruments and camera to achieve effective surgical manipulation.
trocar
A surgical instrument used to create initial access ports for laparoscopic instruments.