As nouns the difference between laparoscopy and laparotomy

is that laparoscopy is examination of the loins or abdomen, now specifically examination or surgery on the peritoneal cavity using a laparoscope while laparotomy is the surgical procedure for making an incision in the abdominal wall to gain access into the abdominal cavity. Performed either as exploratory surgery, or as the first step in an abdominal operation.