Laparoscopic surgery is called minimally invasive surgery because it involves small incisions through which a camera and instruments are inserted, reducing tissue damage compared to traditional open surgery. This technique allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with less pain, faster recovery, and smaller scars. Unlike open surgery, which requires large incisions, laparoscopy minimizes trauma to the body while maintaining surgical precision. It is distinct from robotic surgery, which uses robotic systems, and microsurgery, which focuses on operating on very small structures. The key concept is the use of small ports and a camera to minimize surgical invasion.

Reference: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, Townsend CM Jr, 21st Edition.