 The key element is the use of a laparoscope, a long fiber optic cable system that allows viewing of the affected area by snaking the cable from a more distant, but more easily accessible location.Laparoscopic surgery includes operations within the abdominal or pelvic cavities, whereas keyhole surgery performed on the thoracic or chest cavity is called thoracoscopic surgery.Specific surgical instruments used in a laparoscopic surgery include obstetrical forceps, scissors, probes, dissectors, hooks, and retractors.