Which term describes the approach involving entry through the skin or mucous membrane with instrumentation?

The term that best describes the approach involving entry through the skin or mucous membrane with instrumentation is indeed percutaneous. This method characteristically involves the insertion of instruments through the skin or mucous membranes to access internal structures for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes without the need for large incisions.

In percutaneous procedures, the clinician typically uses imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy, to assist in locating the area of interest and to ensure precise instrument placement. This minimally invasive approach generally leads to reduced recovery times and lower risks of complications compared to more invasive surgical techniques.

In contrast, open procedures involve more extensive incisions to directly access the area of concern, which is quite different from the minimally invasive nature of percutaneous techniques. Endoscopic procedures, while also minimally invasive, typically involve access via natural body orifices rather than a percutaneous approach through the skin. Lastly, transluminal refers to an approach where instruments are passed through a lumen of a hollow organ, such as a blood vessel or gastrointestinal tract, which does not specifically denote access through the skin or mucous membranes in the same context as percutaneous.