Description

An abdominal exploration (laparotomy) is done while you are under general anesthesia, which means you are asleep and feel no pain during the procedure. The surgeon makes a cut into the abdomen and examines the abdominal organs. The size and location of the surgical cut depends on the specific health issue.

A biopsy can be taken during the procedure.

Laparoscopy describes a group of procedures that are performed with a camera placed in the abdomen. If possible, laparoscopy will be done instead of abdominal exploration.

Why the Procedure is Performed

The abdomen contains many organs:

• Gallbladder
• Kidneys, ureters, and bladder
• Large intestine (colon)
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Small intestine (jejunum and ileum)
• Spleen
• Stomach
• Uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries (in women)

Some problems inside the abdomen can be easily diagnosed with imaging tests such as x-rays and CT scans. However, many problems require surgery to get an accurate diagnosis.

Abdominal exploration may be used to help diagnose and treat many diseases and health problems, including:

• Cancer of the ovary, colon, pancreas, liver
• Endometriosis
• Gallstones
• Hole in the intestine (intestinal perforation)
• Inflammation of the appendix (acute appendicitis)
• Inflammation of an intestinal pocket (diverticulitis)
• Inflammation of the pancreas (acute or chronic pancreatitis)
• Liver abscess
• Pockets of infection (retroperitoneal abscess, abdominal abscess, pelvic abscess)
• Pregnancy outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy)
• Scar tissue in the abdomen (adhesions)

Risks

Risks of any anesthesia include the following:

• Severe medication reaction
• Problems breathing

Risks of any surgery include the following:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Additional risks include incisional hernia.

After the Procedure

The outcome from surgery depends upon the findings.

Outlook (Prognosis)

You should be able to start eating and drinking normally about 2 - 3 days after the surgery. How long you stay in the hospital depends on the severity of the problem. Complete recovery usually takes about 4 weeks.

Alternative Names

Laparotomy; Exploratory laparotomy

Update Date: 5/17/2012

Reviewed by: Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.