Laparoscopy (Keyhole surgery) is a procedure, in which surgeon looks into the cavity of the tummy including pelvis by a telescopic camera via belly button. This is to assess the womb for the presence of any abnormality, ovaries for presence of cysts and adhesions and patency of the fallopian tubes. When an abnormality is confirmed, surgeon oftentimes would be able to treat the problem at the same time.
Comparing to laparotomy (opening the tummy), it is associated with better and quicker recovery, less adhesion and better outcome. Sometimes a laparoscopy is not possible for example when a fibroid is too large; in these cases laparotomy is needed. Outcome for endometriotic surgeries is better with laparoscopy than laparotomy.