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Exploratory Laparotomy Part 1

Exploratory laparotomy is a major surgery performed to explore the entire abdominal cavity and find the source of abdominal symptoms when tests have been inconclusive. The surgeon will make a long vertical incision and inspect the abdomen for damage or disease, taking biopsies of suspicious tissue. If a problem is identified, it can be surgically treated during the procedure. Recovery from exploratory laparotomy typically takes around six weeks.

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635 views3 pages

Exploratory Laparotomy Part 1

Exploratory laparotomy is a major surgery performed to explore the entire abdominal cavity and find the source of abdominal symptoms when tests have been inconclusive. The surgeon will make a long vertical incision and inspect the abdomen for damage or disease, taking biopsies of suspicious tissue. If a problem is identified, it can be surgically treated during the procedure. Recovery from exploratory laparotomy typically takes around six weeks.

Uploaded by

vishwanath
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Exploratory Laparotomy

When you have abdominal surgery, it’s The purpose of this surgery is to
usually for a specific purpose.
explore the entire abdominal cavity
You may need to have your appendix to find the source of the problem.
removed or a hernia repaired, for example.
The surgeon makes the appropriate incision If the surgeon can identify the
and goes to work on that particular problem.
problem, any necessary surgical
Sometimes, the cause of abdominal pain or treatment can take place right
other abdominal symptoms isn’t clear. away.
This may occur despite thorough testing or,
in an emergency situation, because there’s
Exploratory laparotomy can be
no time for tests. used when you have serious or
long-term abdominal symptoms that
That’s when a doctor may want to perform defy diagnosis, have had major
exploratory laparotomy.
abdominal trauma and there’s no
time for other testing, are not a
good candidate for laparoscopic
surgery.
Exploratory Laparotomy

Exploratory laparotomy is major surgery. Once your skin is disinfected, a long vertical
incision will be made on your abdomen.
In the hospital, your heart and lungs will be
checked to make sure it’s safe to use The surgeon will then inspect your abdomen
general anesthesia. for damage or disease.

An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into If there’s suspicious tissue, a sample can be
your arm or hand. taken for biopsy.

Your vital signs will be monitored. You may If the cause of the problem can be
also need a breathing tube or a catheter. determined, it can be surgically treated at
this time, too.
During the procedure, you’ll be asleep, so
you won’t feel anything.
Exploratory Laparotomy

After the surgery, you’ll be moved to a Don’t lift more than five pounds for the first
recovery area. There, you’ll be closely six weeks.
monitored until you’re fully alert. The IV will Don’t shower or bathe until you get the
continue providing fluids. It can also be used go-ahead from your doctor.
for medicines to prevent infection and relieve Keep the incision clean and dry.
pain. Be aware of signs of infection. This includes
fever, or redness or yellow drainage from the
After leaving the recovery area, you’ll be incision.
urged to get up and move around to help
prevent blood clots. You won’t be given Recovery time is generally around six
regular food until your bowels are functioning weeks, but this varies from person to person.
normally. The catheter and abdominal drain Your doctor will give you an idea what to
will be removed within a few days. expect.

Your doctor will explain the surgical findings


and what the next steps should be. When
you’re ready to go home, you’ll be given
discharge instructions that may include:

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