Abdominal exploration
Definition
Abdominal exploration is surgery to examine the abdomen (belly area). Surgery that opens the abdomen is called a laparotomy. Laparotomy may also be done to treat certain health problems and conditions.
Alternative Names
Laparotomy; Exploratory laparotomy
Description
The abdomen contains many organs:
- Stomach
- Small intestine (jejunum and ileum)
- Large intestine (colon)
- Liver
- Spleen
- Gallbladder
- Pancreas
- Uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries (in women)
- Kidneys, ureters, and bladder
Some problems inside the abdomen can be easily diagnosed with imaging tests such as x-rays and CT scans, but many problems require surgery to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
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. This surgery may also be used to treat diseased areas of the abdomen.
Why the Procedure is Performed
Abdominal exploration may be used to help diagnose many diseases and health problems, including:
This surgery may also be used to determine the extent of certain cancers, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Risks
Risks for any anesthesia include the following:
- Reactions to medications
- Problems breathing
Risks for any surgery include the following:
Additional risks include incisional
hernia.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome from the surgery depends upon the findings.
Recovery
Usually, patients can resume normal eating and drinking about 2 - 3 days after the surgery. How long you stay in the hospital depends on the severity of the underlying problem. Complete recovery usually takes about 4 weeks.
Review Date:
10/16/2006
Reviewed By:
J.A. Lee, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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