Sometimes, we can't find the cause of our stomach problems even after a series of tests. Has that happened to you? When the cause of something like severe stomach pain or unexplained bleeding cannot be found, doctors have to cut open the skin of the abdomen and examine the organs inside. That's what we call this diagnostic surgery, an 'Exploratory Laparotomy' . Simply put, it's an operation that opens the abdomen and looks for the disease.
What is Exploratory Laparotomy? In what cases is it performed?
An 'exploratory laparotomy' is a major surgery that doctors perform to diagnose problems in the abdomen, that is, the stomach. This surgery is usually recommended when other tests, such as scans , cannot pinpoint the problem.
There are several main reasons why a doctor might decide to perform this type of surgery:
- Abdominal injuries : Imagine, if you have a severe abdominal injury, such as from a car accident. This surgery is done to see if any internal organs are damaged or bleeding is occurring.
- Unexplained bleeding: Bleeding from inside the stomach, but where or why it is not found.
- Severe, unbearable pain: If you cannot find the cause of severe stomach pain in any other way.
- If there is a suspicion that the cancer has spread: Find out exactly whether the cancer has spread to other organs in the abdomen.
What do doctors do during surgery?
During this procedure, the doctor makes an incision in the skin of the abdomen and carefully examines the organs inside the abdomen. There, they look for the cause of the pain or bleeding. The main organs that are examined in this way are:
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Stomach
- Spleen
- Pancreas
- Small and large intestines (Intestines)
- Reproductive organs in women include the uterus, fallopian tubes , and ovaries .
- Appendix
- Blood vessels and Lymph nodes
During surgery, the doctor may take a small piece of tissue from an area where he thinks there is a problem and send it to the lab for testing. We call this a 'biopsy' .
Sometimes, once the cause of the problem is identified, doctors can treat it during the surgery. For example, if there is a hole in the intestine, they can sew it up or stop the bleeding.
| Some of the diseases that can be diagnosed with this surgery are: | |
|---|---|
| Cancer | Cancerous conditions in the abdominal organs. |
| Endometriosis | Tissue that should be inside the uterus grows outside. |
| Infection | For example, appendicitis. |
| Scar tissue | Scars inside the abdomen from previous surgeries. |
| Gallstones | Problems caused by gallstones. |
| Perforation of intestines | A hole in the intestine. |
| Ectopic pregnancy | A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. |
How should we prepare before surgery?
This surgery is sometimes done in an emergency, such as after an accident. In such cases, there is no time to prepare. However, if the doctor has given you a day in advance and is planning the surgery, there are a few things you can do to prepare.
- Stop smoking: If you smoke, it is very important to stop a few weeks before surgery. This will speed up your recovery.
- Control other diseases: If you have other diseases, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you need to control them well before surgery.
- Tell your doctor about the medications you are taking: You should tell your doctor about every medication you are taking, whether it's prescribed by a doctor, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or even Ayurvedic medicines.
- Be honest about alcohol: If you have a drinking habit, tell your doctor about it honestly.
- Tell your doctor about your pregnancy: If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant, be sure to inform your doctor .
The day before surgery, you should follow the exact time your doctor tells you to stop eating and drinking. Usually, you are told to stop eating and drinking 6-8 hours before surgery.
How is the recovery time after surgery?
It usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks to fully recover after an exploratory laparotomy.
Recovering in the hospital
You will not be able to eat or drink normally for a few days after surgery. This is because it takes some time for your bowels to return to normal. You will need to stay in the hospital until you are able to eat and drink on your own.
- You will be given medication to control pain and prevent infection.
- A tube is inserted to drain urine. We call it a 'catheter' .
- A small tube (drain) may be placed to drain excess fluid from the incision.
Usually, you have to stay in the hospital for about 7 days after this surgery.
Recovering at home
Once your doctor decides that you can go home, you should follow all of their instructions exactly. Take all of your prescribed medications on time. Your doctor may also tell you to eat a high-fiber diet to help keep your bowels moving properly. Don't lift more than 5 pounds (2.3 kg) for 6 weeks.
| If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| If you have a fever and/or chills | |
| If there is pain, redness, swelling, or pus at the incision site | |
| If you have severe pain that does not subside even after taking medication | |
| If the stomach is swollen | |
| If you have diarrhea for more than two days | |
| If there is blood in the stool | |
| If you have difficulty urinating or have pain when urinating | |
| If you have chest pain or a cough | |
| If you have nausea or vomiting | |
| If you have dizziness, fainting, or leg swelling/pain | |
What are the risks of this surgery?
Exploratory Laparotomy is a major surgery. Like any major surgery, it has some risks.
General risks:
- Bleeding
- Infections
- Unexpected reaction to anesthesia (numbing medicine)
- Delayed wound healing
Risks specific to this surgery:
- Sometimes, even after surgery , the cause of the disease cannot be found . In that case, further tests may be required.
- There is a small chance of damage to the intestines or other organs in the abdomen.
- A hernia may form at the incision site.
What is 'Laparoscopy' instead of Laparotomy?
This is also a method of looking for problems in the abdomen. But it is much simpler than Laparotomy. This is called 'Exploratory Laparoscopy' .
What happens in this is that instead of making a large incision in the abdomen, the doctor makes one or more very small incisions.A small tube with a camera attached to it is inserted into the abdomen. The images from the camera are viewed on a monitor to examine the organs inside the abdomen. This is also called 'keyhole surgery'.
Laparoscopy differs from laparotomy in the following ways:
- This is usually a surgery that allows you to go home the same day without having to stay in the hospital.
- It takes a short time, about two weeks, to recover.
- The scar is very small.
However, not everyone can undergo laparoscopy. Your doctor will decide which surgery is best for your condition.
Take-Home Message
- Exploratory Laparotomy is a major surgery performed to find the cause of a problem in the abdomen. This is a major operation.
- It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully, both before and after surgery.
- During your recovery, be on the lookout for warning signs like fever, unbearable pain, and swelling around the incision. If you experience any of these, notify your doctor immediately.
- There is also a surgical procedure called Laparoscopy as an alternative to this surgery. Talk to your doctor about the method that is right for your situation.
Exploratory Laparotomy, Abdominal Surgery, Abdominal Surgery, Laparoscopy, Abdominal Pain, Postoperative Recovery, Surgery
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