Exploratory laparotomy

An exploratory laparotomy is a general surgical operation where the abdomen is opened and the abdominal organs are examined for injury or disease. It is the standard of care in various blunt and penetrating trauma situations in which there may be life-threatening internal injuries. It is also used in certain diagnostic situations, in which the operation is undertaken in search of a unifying cause for multiple signs and symptoms of disease, and in the staging of some cancers.

During an exploratory laparotomy, a large incision is made vertically in the middle of the abdomen to access the peritoneal cavity, then each of the quadrants of the abdomen is examined. Various other maneuvers, such as the Kocher maneuver, or other procedures may be performed concurrently. Overall operative mortality ranges between 10% and 20% worldwide for emergent exploratory laparotomies. Recovery typically involves a prolonged hospital stay, sometimes in the intensive care unit, and may include rehabilitation with one or more therapies.