Laparotomy
A Laparotomy is a surgical procedure involving a large incision in the abdomen to access the abdominal organs for diagnosis or treatment. It is often performed in emergency situations or when less invasive techniques (like laparoscopy) are not suitable.
Laparotomy allows the surgeon to examine the abdominal cavity and address a wide range of conditions affecting the organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, gallbladder or kidneys.
Common reasons for a laparotomy include:
- Abdominal Trauma: To assess and repair internal injuries caused by accidents or other traumatic events.
- Exploratory Surgery: When the cause of abdominal pain or other symptoms are unclear and diagnostic imaging has not provided sufficient information.
- Tumor Removal: For removing cancerous growths or large benign tumors from abdominal organs.
- Bowel Obstructions: To relieve blockages in the intestines.
- Infections: To drain abscesses or treat severe infections like Abdominal Tuberculosis or peritonitis.
- Perforated Organs: To repair perforation in organs like the stomach or intestines.
- Intestinal Gangrene: When a portion of the intestine loses its blood supply, leading to tissue death (necrosis).
Benefits of Laparotomy:
- Comprehensive Examination: Laparotomy provides surgeons with direct access to the abdominal organs, allowing for thorough examination and diagnosis of various conditions, including tumors, infections and injuries.
- Quick Response to Emergencies: In emergency situations (like trauma or internal bleeding), laparotomy can be performed quickly to stabilize the patient and address life-threatening conditions.
- Resection: Laparotomy allows for the removal of diseased organs or tissues such as the appendix, parts of the intestine or tumors, which can be crucial for improving patient outcomes.
