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Abdominal exploration is surgery to examine the abdomen (belly area). Surgery that opens the abdomen is called a laparotomy. Laparotomy may also be done to treat certain health problems and conditions.
The abdomen contains many organs:
Some problems inside the abdomen can be easily diagnosed with imaging tests such as x-rays and CT scans , but many problems require surgery to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
An abdominal exploration (laparotomy) is done while you are under general anesthesia, which means you are asleep and feel no pain during the procedure. The surgeon makes a cut into the abdomen and examines the abdominal organs. The size and location of the surgical cut depends on the specific health issue. A biopsy can be taken during the procedure. This surgery may also be used to treat diseased areas of the abdomen.
Abdominal exploration may be used to help diagnose many diseases and health problems, including:
This surgery may also be used to determine the extent of certain cancers, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma .
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