Some gas is injected through the cut to 'blow out' the abdominal wall slightly.

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/laparoscopy-and-laparoscopic-surgery

Some gas is injected through the cut to 'blow out' the abdominal wall slightly. This makes it easier to see the internal organs with the laparoscope which is gently pushed through the incision into the abdominal cavity. The surgeon or gynaecologist then looks down the laparoscope or looks at pictures on a TV monitor connected to the laparoscope.