What is an open laparotomy?
Laparotomy is a type of open surgery of the abdomen to examine the abdominal organs. Surgeons may use this surgery to diagnose and treat a variety of abdominal conditions. Here, we look at the types and uses of laparotomy, as well as what people can expect during and after laparotomy surgery.
Is a laparotomy a major surgery?
What to expect during the procedure. Exploratory laparotomy is major surgery. In the hospital, your heart and lungs will be checked to make sure it’s safe to use general anesthesia. An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into your arm or hand.
Why is it called a laparotomy?
The term comes from the Greek word λᾰπάρᾱ (lapara) ‘the soft part of the body between the ribs and hip, flank’ and the suffix -tomy, from the Greek word τομή (tome) ‘(surgical) cut’.
What is the difference between laparotomy and laparoscopy?
Laparotomy is basically a surgical procedure which involves a large incision in the abdomen to facilitate a procedure. While laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure which sometimes referred as keyhole surgery as it uses a small incision.
How is laparotomy performed?
A laparotomy is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes a single cut through the skin and muscle of the abdomen, so that the underlying organs can be clearly viewed. The exposed organs are then carefully examined.
What is open abdominal surgery?
The term “open abdomen” (OA) refers to a surgically created defect in the abdominal wall that exposes abdominal viscera. Leaving an abdominal cavity temporarily open has been well described for several indications, including damage control surgery (DCS) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS).
How long is laparotomy recovery?
Recuperation time following laparotomy is usually six weeks, but may vary depending on whether other procedures are performed at the same time. As with any post-operative recovery, it is important to always consult your doctor. Make sure you have a final check-up.
When is laparotomy needed?
A laparotomy might be needed to look for problems in the abdomen or internal organs, or to treat a particular condition. For example, it might be done to find out why you have abdominal (tummy) pain, if you have an injury to your abdomen, to look at the spread of certain diseases such as endometriosis and cancer.
What are the indication of laparotomy?
The common indications for laparotomy in blunt abdominal trauma in hemodynamically stable patients are hollow viscus perforation, solid organ injury and diaphragmatic hernia. In a vitally stable patient, imaging helps in the diagnosis of these conditions as well as uncommon conditions which need laparotomy.
How long is laparotomy surgery?
In rare cases it may be necessary to cut down the abdomen from the belly button to the pubic area, rather than across. The procedure may take one to several hours depending on the complexity of the operation.