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.

Exploratory Laparotomy

(Abdominal Exploration; Laparotomy, Exploratory)
Pronounced: LAP-uh-ROT-uh-mee
by Ricker Polsdorfer, MD
Definition

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

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:

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

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

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

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

What to Expect
Prior to Procedure

Leading up to your procedure:

  • 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)
  • Your doctor may perform the following:
    • Blood and urine tests
    • CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body
    • MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body
    • Physical exam
    • Ultrasound —a test that uses sound waves to visualize the inside of the body
  • 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.
Anesthesia
  • 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
Description of the Procedure

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.

How Long Will It Take?

About 1-4 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

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

Average Hospital Stay

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

Post-procedure Care
At the Hospital

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

It may take several weeks for you to recover.

  • Follow your doctor's instructions .
  • To promote healing, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables .
  • Try to avoid constipation by:
  • 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.
  • Take proper care of the incision site. This will help to prevent an infection.
  • The doctor will remove the sutures or staples in 7-10 days.
Call Your Doctor

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

  • Bright red or dark black stools
  • Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
  • Diarrhea or constipation that lasts more than 3 days
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Fever or chills
  • Increasing pain or pain that does not go away
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain or difficulty with urination
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site
  • Swelling, redness, or pain in your leg
  • Your abdomen becomes swollen or hard to the touch

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

Last reviewed: September 2011 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD.

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