Laparoscopy. Surgeon performing a tubal ligation operation by laparoscopy. Tubal ligation is a form of sterilization where the Fallopian tubes are 'tied' so that a woman can no longer become pregnant. The operation may be performed by open surgery or by laparoscopy, as here. Laparoscopy is a form of endoscopy, which uses a fibre-optic light source to obtain images from inside the body, as seen on the monitor. Surgical instruments can be passed down the laparoscope to perform procedures, such as draining fluid, or placing a ligature around a Fallopian tube. In laparoscopy, the endoscopic instruments are introduced through incisions in the patient's abdominal wall.