Why is this procedure done?
Surgery to open the belly or abdomen is a laparotomy. This is done so your doctor can look at different muscles and organs in the abdomen. Your doctor may look at your liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. The doctor may also look at your kidneys, stomach, and large and small bowels. In women, the uterus may also be seen. Your doctor may need to do an exploratory laparotomy to: ‚
- Take out a tumor or cancer.
- Get rid of blood, blood clots, pus, or extra fluids.
- Take out part of or all of an organ.
- Treat problems of organs in the belly area.
- Look at organs after a crash, injury, or trauma.
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will be able to see inside the abdomen and remove or fix hurt organs.
- The doctor will be able to look at other organs while your abdomen is open.
- Tumors or cancer may be taken out.
What happens before the procedure?
You may need to have this surgery in an emergency. Then there is no preparation needed. If it is not an emergency: ‚
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
- CT or MRI scan
- Your doctor may tell you to clean or empty your bowels before the surgery. Your doctor will give you drugs or liquids to clean your bowels the day before surgery, if needed.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- When you are asleep, the doctors put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. Your throat might be a little sore when you wake up.
- The doctor will make a long cut on your belly to open the abdomen. The doctor will do the surgery on the organs that need fixed. Extra care will be taken to check all the organs.
- The doctor may also take samples of tissue from the organs and test them.
- Your doctor may put a drain into your belly during the surgery. This helps drain the extra air or fluid after the surgery.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
- The procedure may take 2 to 4 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely.
- The doctor may order x-rays, lab tests, or other tests to see how well you are recovering after surgery.
- Within a day or two, you will get out of bed to a chair. The staff will help you start to walk around. Doing coughing and deep breathing exercises will help keep your lungs clear. You will get drugs to help with your pain.
- Your doctor will tell you when you may go home. You may stay in the hospital for a few days or as long as you need to heal.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve injury
- Injury to nearby organs or tissues
- Your surgery cut site does not heal the way it should
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Laparotomy ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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