This document provides an overview of laparoscopy basics including: - A brief history of the development of laparoscopy. - The advantages of laparoscopy such as reduced postoperative morbidity and improved cosmesis. - Imaging systems, insufflators, trocars, cannulas and basic instruments used in laparoscopy. - Energy sources for laparoscopy including monopolar, bipolar and advanced sources like LigaSure, EnSeal and harmonic. - Instrument processing including sterilization and high level disinfection. - Considerations for patient positioning and anesthesia. - Techniques for Veress needle and direct trocar insertion to achieve pneumoperitoneum.