Laparotomy
Laparotomy is a procedure in which a surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen in order to inspect the abdominal cavity. During laparotomy, the surgeon can correct structural problems or remove tumors, sites of endometriosis (implants), or scar tissue (adhesions).
Laparotomy is also used to diagnose and treat female pelvic conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and ectopic pregnancy. Laparotomy is less commonly used to explore the source of abdominal problems.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2007
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