laparotomy
Opening the belly
Laparotomy is a surgical incision through the abdominal wall, typically to access organs for examination, diagnosis, or treatment.
The procedure allows surgeons to inspect the abdominal cavity directly when imaging is inconclusive or emergency intervention is needed: The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy after the car accident.
Controlled cut into tissue
- scalpelPrecise surgical knife
- dissectionAnatomical cutting and examination
- retractorsDevices holding incisions open
- hemostasisProcess that stops bleeding
sutures · anesthesia · sterile · peritoneum · fascia · forceps · clamps · cautery
Restoration of health
- scarPermanent mark from healing
- pain managementReducing patient suffering medically
- ambulationMovement by walking
- wound careTreatment of bodily injuries
infection risk · ileus · hernia · adhesions · hospitalization · drainage · rehabilitation
Identification of illness
- explorationTraveling through unknown regions
- biopsyTissue sample for diagnosis
- visualizationForming mental or graphical images
- palpationMedical examination by touch
pathology · specimen · lesion · adhesions · staging · intraoperative · assessment · inspection
incision
Controlled cut into tissue
- scalpelPrecise surgical knife
- dissectionAnatomical cutting and examination
- retractorsDevices holding incisions open
hemostasis · sutures · anesthesia · sterile · peritoneum · fascia · forceps · clamps · cautery · draping
healing
Restoration of health
- scarPermanent mark from healing
- pain managementReducing patient suffering medically
- ambulationMovement by walking
wound care · infection risk · ileus · hernia · adhesions · hospitalization · drainage · rehabilitation
diagnosis
Identification of illness
- explorationTraveling through unknown regions
- biopsyTissue sample for diagnosis
- visualizationForming mental or graphical images
palpation · pathology · specimen · lesion · adhesions · staging · intraoperative · assessment · inspection · findings
laparotomylaparoscopy
Minimally invasive abdominal examination
minimally invasive surgery · keyhole surgery · endoscopic surgery · robotic surgery · needle biopsy
laparotomywatchful waiting
Monitoring before acting
medical management · observation · pharmacotherapy · palliative care