Lap
Medical abbreviation · Surgical
| Stands for | Laparoscopic (laparoscopy) |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
Lap stands for Laparoscopic (laparoscopy), a surgical abbreviation.
Prefix for procedures performed through small incisions with a camera (laparoscope) and long instruments while the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide, as in lap chole, lap appy and lap colectomy. Compared with open surgery it usually means less pain, smaller scars and faster recovery.
Example: Lap converted to open because of dense adhesions.
Usage notes
Insufflation pressure is typically kept around 12 to 15 mmHg in adults. German gynecologist Kurt Semm pioneered many laparoscopic techniques in the 1970s and 1980s. Shoulder tip pain after laparoscopy comes from residual gas irritating the diaphragm. "Lap-Band" is a brand name for an adjustable gastric band.
Related abbreviations
More surgical abbreviations
- FTSG – Full-thickness skin graft
- HIPEC – Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
- I&D – Incision and drainage
- IM – Intramedullary (nail or rod)
- IOL – Intraocular lens
- LAGB – Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band
- Lap chole – Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
- LAR – Low anterior resection
- LASIK – Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis
- LOA – Lysis of adhesions
- M&M – Morbidity and mortality (conference)
- MIS – Minimally invasive surgery
See all 51 surgical abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.