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Abdominal exploration

• Overview
• Recovery
• Risks

Alternative Names:

Laparotomy; Exploratory laparotomy

Expectations after surgery:

The outcome from the surgery depends upon the findings.

Convalescence:

Usually, patients can resume normal eating and drinking about 2 - 3 days after the surgery. How long you stay in the hospital depends on the severity of the underlying problem. Complete recovery usually takes about 4 weeks.

• Review Date: 10/16/2006
• Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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