Health Library

Exploratory Laparotomy

(Abdominal Exploration; Laparotomy, Exploratory)

Pronounced: LAP-uh-ROT-uh-mee

by Ricker Polsdorfer, MD

En Español (Spanish Version)

Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

Definition

This is an open surgery of the abdomen to view the organs and tissue inside.

Abdominal Organs, Anterior View

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is done to evaluate problems in the abdomen.

Problems that may need to be examined with an exploratory laparotomy include:

A hole in the bowel wall

Ectopic (outside the womb) pregnancy
Endometriosis
Appendicitis
Damage to an organ from trauma
Infection in the abdomen
Cancer

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a laparotomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Bleeding
Infection
Blood clots
Damage to organs
Hernia formation
Large scars
Reaction to the anesthesia

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

Previous abdominal surgery
Diabetes
Heart or lung disease
Weak immune system
Blood disorders
Taking certain medicines
Smoking, alcohol abuse, or drug use

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

What to Expect

Leading up to your procedure:

Your doctor may perform the following:
- Ultrasound—a test that uses sound waves to visualize the inside of the body
- Computed tomography (CT) scan—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan—a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body
Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin)
- Blood thinners, like clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)
Arrange for a ride home.
The night before, eat a light meal. Unless told otherwise by your doctor, do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

General anesthesia (almost always used)—blocks pain and keeps you asleep through the surgery; given through an IV in your hand or arm
Spinal anesthesia (used in very ill patients)—the area from the chest down to the legs is numbed

The doctor will make one long incision in the skin on your abdomen. The organs will be examined for disease. The doctor may take a biopsy. If the problem is something that can be repaired or removed, it will be done at this time. The opening will be closed using staples or stitches.

About 1-4 hours

Anesthesia will prevent pain during the procedure. For pain and soreness after surgery, you will get medicine.

Several days—If you have problems, you may need to stay longer.

You may need to wear special socks or boots to help prevent blood clots.
You may have a foley catheter for a short time to help you urinate.
You may use an incentive spirometer to help you breathe deeply.

It may take several weeks for you to recover.

Follow your doctor's instructions .

The doctor will remove the sutures or staples in 7-10 days.

Take proper care of the incision site. This will help to prevent an infection.

Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.

During the first two weeks, rest and avoid lifting.

Slowly increase your activities. Begin with light chores, short walks, and some driving. Depending on your job, you may be able to return to work.

To promote healing, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Try to avoid constipation by:
- Eating high-fiber foods
- Drinking plenty of water
- Using stool softeners if needed

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Fever or chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site

Increasing pain or pain that does not go away

Your abdomen becomes swollen or hard to the touch

Diarrhea or constipation that lasts more than 3 days
Bright red or dark black stools
Dizziness or fainting
Nausea and vomiting
Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
Pain or difficulty with urination
Swelling, redness, or pain in your leg

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

American Cancer Society

http://www.cancer.org/

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation

http://www.cdhf.ca/

Health Canada

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/

Carson-DeWitt R. Spinal and epidural anesthesia. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/. Updated July 2009. Accessed August 8, 2009.

Laparoscopic surgery. Women's Surgery Group website. Available at: http://www.womenssurgerygroup.com/treatments/laparoscopic.asp. Accessed August 8, 2009.

Testing biopsy and cytology specimens for cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ped/content/ped_2_3x_testing_biopsy_and_cytology_specimens_for_cancer.asp?sitearea=ped. Updated December 2007. Accessed June 5, 2008.

Last reviewed September 2012 by Marcin Chwistek, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.