laparotomy

laparotomy /lap·a·rot·o·my/ (-rot´ah-me) incision through the flank or, more generally, through any part of the abdominal wall.

---

lap·a·rot·o·my (lp-rt-m)

n.

1. Surgical incision into the abdominal cavity through the loin or flank.

2. See celiotomy.

---

Laparotomy

Surgical incision into the loin, between the ribs and the pelvis, which offers surgeons a view inside the abdominal cavity.

Mentioned in: Appendicitis, Ectopic Pregnancy, Peritonitis

---

laparotomy (lap)

[lap′ərot′əmē]

Etymology: Gk, lapara + temnein, to cut

any surgical incision into the abdominal wall, usually performed under general or regional anesthesia, often on an exploratory basis. Food and fluids by mouth are withheld for several hours before surgery. Immediately before surgery the skin may be shaved and cleansed from the nipple line to the pubis. If the intestine is opened, a nasogastric tube is inserted postoperatively. Frequent observation of vital signs and drainage systems is essential. Fluid intake and output are recorded. The patient is turned and encouraged to breathe deeply every hour and to cough if necessary. Medication is given as needed for pain relief. Some kinds of laparotomy are appendectomy, cholecystectomy, and colostomy. laparotomize, v.

---

laparotomy [lap″ah-rot´ah-me]

incision through the abdominal wall.

---

laparotomy,

n any major surgical procedure that involves opening the abdomen.

---

laparotomy

(lap´rot´mē),
n a surgical incision into the peritoneal cavity, usually performed under general or regional anesthesia, often on an exploratory basis.

---

laparotomy

incision through the flank or, more generally, through any part of the abdominal wall.

---

exploratory laparotomy

for the purpose of physically examining the contents of the peritoneal cavity.

laparotomy grid

see grid incision.

---

laparotomy

Obstetrics Open pelvic surgery, a surgical format which has waned in popularity–WIP, but may be used for sterilization See Minilaparotomy tubal sterilization Surgery Open surgical exploration of the abdomen, which has WIP–laparoscopy has equal diagnostic yields with ↓ complications Indications Pronounced cholangitis, sepsis, perforation, hemorrhage. See Exploratory laparotomy. Cf Laparoscopy.