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Abdominal exploration

Definition

Abdominal exploration is surgery to look at the organs and structures in your belly area (abdomen). This includes your:

  • Appendix
  • Bladder
  • Gallbladder
  • Intestines
  • Kidney and ureters
  • Liver
  • Pancreas
  • Spleen
  • Stomach
  • Uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries (in women)

    • Surgery that opens the abdomen is called a laparotomy.

    Description

    Exploratory laparotomy is done while you are under general anesthesia. This means you are asleep and feel no pain.

    Your surgeon makes a cut into the abdomen and examines the abdominal organs. The size and location of the surgical cut depend on the specific health concern.

    A can be taken during the procedure.

    describes a procedure that is performed with a tiny camera placed inside the abdomen. If possible, laparoscopy will be done instead of laparotomy.

    Why the Procedure Is Performed

    Your health care provider may recommend a laparotomy if imaging tests of the abdomen, such as and , have not provided an accurate diagnosis.

    Exploratory laparotomy may be used to help diagnose and treat many health conditions, including:

  • of the ovary, colon, pancreas, liver
  • Hole in the intestine (intestinal perforation)
  • or
  • Pockets of infection (retroperitoneal abscess, , pelvic abscess)
  • Pregnancy outside of the uterus ()
  • Scar tissue in the abdomen ()

    • Risks

    Risks of anesthesia and surgery in general include:

  • Reactions to medicines
  • Breathing problems
  • Bleeding, blood clots, infection

    • Risks of this surgery include:

  • Incisional
  • Damage to organs in the abdomen

    • Before the Procedure

    You will visit with your provider and have medical tests before your surgery. Your provider will:

  • Do a complete physical exam.
  • Make sure other medical conditions you may have, such as diabetes or , are under control.
  • Perform tests to make sure that you will be able to tolerate the surgery.
  • If you are a smoker, you should several weeks before your surgery. Ask your provider for help.

    • Tell your surgeon or nurse if:

  • You are or could be pregnant
  • You are taking any medicines, including drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription

    • During the week before your surgery:

  • You may be asked to temporarily stop taking medicines that keep your blood from clotting. These medicines are called blood thinners. This includes over-the-counter medicines and supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and vitamin E. Many prescription medicines are also blood thinners.
  • Ask your surgeon which medicines you should still take on the day of surgery.

    • On the day of surgery:

  • Follow instructions about when to stop eating and drinking.
  • Take the medicines your surgeon told you to take with a small sip of water.
  • Arrive at the hospital on time.

    • Outlook (Prognosis)

    You should be able to start eating and drinking normally about 2 to 3 days after the surgery. How long you stay in the hospital depends on the severity of the problem. Complete recovery usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

    References

    Landmann A, Bonds M, Postier R. Acute abdomen. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 46.

    Young S, Tsai S. Management of periampullary cancer. In: Cameron JL, Cameron AM, eds. Current Surgical Therapy. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:589-599.

    Schedule An Appointment

    Contact Atlanta Obsetrics and Gynaecology at The Womens Center Millennium Hospital - 404-ATL-BABY

    GO

    Review Date: 3/31/2024

    Reviewed By: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.