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Laparotomy is a procedure aimed primarily at the diagnosis of diseases of the reproductive system, but also of the urinary and digestive systems. Laparotomy is performed when other diagnostic methods do not bring the expected results – symptoms are present and the cause is still unknown. What is Laparotomy?
Laparotomy – indications
It is usually the first stage of a surgical operation, but it is also used for diagnostic purposes (laparotomy reconnaissance). In the case of patients after injuries and accidents, it is carried out almost immediately. laparotomy allows for the assessment of abdominal damage to the body and for the detection of, for example, a hematoma, which may be dangerous for the life of the injured person. Thanks laparotomy the doctor can diagnose pathological conditions within the genital tract of women, such as: endometriosis, cancers of the cervix, endometrium, ovaries, ectopic pregnancy. But laparotomy it is effective in detecting diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: appendicitis, pancreatitis, intestinal perforation, pancreatic and colon cancer.
Laparotomy – the course of the procedure
The entire procedure is performed under general anesthesia in the operating room. laparotomy it is almost always a planned procedure. The procedure is preceded by tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or radiological examination. The surgeon cuts the abdominal wall to assess the appearance and condition of the internal organs. During the execution of the laparotomy the surgeon can cut out the lesion, if it has developed, and send it for further examination. He can also take only a fragment (biopsy) and subject it to histopathological, microbiological or cytological examinations.
How to prepare for a laparotomy?
Patients who were scheduled laparotomy surgeryare generally admitted to hospital 24-48 hours in advance. If laparotomy will be performed in the gastrointestinal tract, the patient must undergo a bowel cleansing procedure. It should be mentioned that the skin at the cut site should be shaved. Immediately 6-8 hours before the patient should not take any food (including liquids). However, all decisions regarding shortening or extending the fasting time are made by the doctor.
When should we not opt for laparotomy?
Carrying out laparotomy requires the patient’s written consent. The most common contraindications for the procedure are: obesity, problems with proper blood clotting, circulatory and respiratory failure or age. Elderly people may not be able to tolerate general anesthesia.
What are the possible complications after laparotomy?
laparotomy is an invasive procedure. Possible complications are e.g. heavy bleeding, loss of significant amounts of blood, hematomas, hernias. There may be damage to the digestive or urinary tract.
How long does it take to recover?
After laparotomy the patient must stay in the hospital for another 2-3 days, if not serious complications. It also depends on what diagnosis the doctor makes. After leaving the hospital, the patient cannot perform strenuous physical exertion. Under no circumstances should you lift it, as this may cause the abdominal muscles to become overstretched and the sutures may burst.