Abdominal exploration

Alternative Names: Laparotomy; Exploratory laparotomy

Abdominal exploration is surgery to examine the contents of the abdomen. Surgery that opens the abdomen is called a laparotomy. Laparotomy may also be done to treat certain health problems and conditions.

Description of Procedure

An abdominal exploration (laparotomy) is done while you are under general anesthesia, which means you are asleep and feel no pain during the procedure. The surgeon makes a cut into the abdomen and examines the abdominal organs. The size and location of the surgical cut depends on the specific health issue.

A biopsy can be taken during the procedure.

Laparoscopy describes a group of procedures that are performed with a camera placed in the abdomen. If possible, laparoscopy will be done instead of abdominal exploration.

Risks of Abdominal exploration

Risks of any anesthesia include the following:

• Severe medication reaction
• Problems breathing

Risks of any surgery include the following:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Additional risks include incisional hernia.

Digestive system	Pelvic adhesions	Abdominal exploration - series

Review Date: 5/17/2010
Reviewed By: Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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