Definition of Laparoscopic staging

Laparoscopic staging: A staging procedure for tumors of the abdomen using laparoscopy in combination with laparoscopic ultrasonography.

The aim of laparoscopic staging is to prevent unnecessary laparotomies and avoid the trauma inherent in open surgery on the abdomen while providing accurate information on tumor spread to permit effective treatment.

The treatment of tumors such as pancreatic cancer, malignancy of the liver, gastrointestinal cancer, ovarian cancer, and lymphoma can be based on laparoscopic staging. Laparoscopic staging also enables palliative procedures to be performed during the staging procedure.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=39869
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012