ABC Medical Center > Procedures > Exploratory laparotomy

What is Exploratory laparotomy?

14:59 - 9 April , 2021

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It is a surgical procedure used to evaluate the state of the internal organs located in the abdomen. Exploratory laparotomy is performed when other types of tests have been insufficient to establish a diagnosis. It can also be used to biopsy, repair, and remove a damaged part of an organ or tissue.

An exploratory laparotomy is used when a diagnostic laparoscopy is not recommended or when there are signs of certain conditions, such as:

  • Damage to internal organs.
  • Infections.
  • Tumors. 
  • Hernias and cysts.
  • Intestinal occlusion.

Before the procedure:

  • Make sure your hygiene is optimal.
  • Fast for as long as your doctor indicates.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking anticoagulants or any other medication.

When the procedure is complete:

General anesthesia is used in this procedure, and once it is concluded it may be advisable to stay in hospital for a couple of days.

During the first week you will have nausea and some pain where the incision was made. In a few days you will be able to resume your normal life. Remember to check daily the healing process of the surgery and follow your doctor’s recommendations to avoid possible infections.

Potential risks:

  • Abdominal bleeding.
  • Infections.
  • Numbness and sore throat.

In our High Specialty Surgery Center, we perform more than 7,000 cutting-edge surgical procedures each year with state-of-the-art technology.

Our mission is to provide you with general and highly specialized medical-surgical services with the highest standards of quality and safety comparable with international centers of excellence through a multidisciplinary team that uses evidence-based clinical protocols that guarantee the best assistance and care of your health.

ABC Medical Center has always been known for practicing cutting-edge medicine. Our commitment to innovate keeps us as leaders in the practice of this discipline.

Your next surgery in expert and certified hands.

Related centers and departments

Fuentes: 

  • medlineplus.gov
  • plasticsurgery.org
  • mediespana.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • López AY, Fernández GA, Sánchez RGE. Evaluación de criterios para laparotomía en lesiones abdominales por arma blanca. Revista Cubana de Cirugía. 2016;55(1):1-11.
  • Patiño-Fernández de Córdova BE, Iglesias-Leboreiro J, Bernárdez-Zapata I, et al. Apendicectomía laparoscópica contra cirugía abierta. Experiencia en un hospital privado: estudio prospectivo. Rev Mex Pediatr. 2018;85(3):83-88.
  • Rodríguez Delgado M, Echeverría León M, Arjona Sánchez A. Pancreatitis aguda grave. En: Cárdenas Cruz A, Roca Guiseris J. Tratado de Medicina Intensiva. España: Elsevier; 2017. p. 368-74.

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    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.