Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • A laparotomy is a surgical incision into the abdominal cavity.
  • A laparotomy is performed to examine the abdominal organs and aid diagnosis of any problems.
  • Possible complications include infection and the formation of scar tissue within the abdominal cavity.
  • An alternative to laparotomy is laparoscopy (‘keyhole surgery’), where small incisions are made through which to explore the abdominal cavity. Recovery time is greatly reduced with this method.

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Reviewed on: 31-08-2014