Also called peritoneoscopy, this is a technique using an instrument called an ENDOSCOPE for viewing the contents of the ABDOMEN. The instrument is inserted via an incision just below the UMBILICUS, and carbon dioxide gas is then pumped into the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity. Visual inspection may help in the diagnosis of cancer, APPENDICITIS, SALPINGITIS, and abnormalities of the LIVER, GALL-BLADDER, OVARIES or GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT. A BIOPSY can be taken of tissue suspected of being abnormal, and operations such as removal of the gall-bladder or appendix may be carried out. (See also MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY (MIS).)