Abdominal exploration

• Alternative Names

  Laparotomy; Exploratory laparotomy

• 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.

• 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
  • Hole in the intestine (intestinal perforation)
  • Inflammation of the appendix (acute appendicitis)
  • Inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis)
  • Inflammation of an intestinal pocket (diverticulitis)
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (acute or chronic pancreatitis)
  • 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 the 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.

Review Date: 10/20/2008

Reviewed By: Christine Lee, MD, Department of Surgery, Marin General Hospital, Greenbrae, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.