Laparotomy

Not all abdominal cavity pathologies can be treated laparoscopically. Currently the most common procedure remains laparotomy where the abdomen is opened surgically.

Two weeks prior to the procedure, the following blood tests should be collected:

• blood cell count,
• electrolyte panel,
• coagulation factors,
• blood typing,
• glucose test,
• creatinine test,
• HBsAg test,
• anti-HCV antibody test.

The abdomen is usually opened through a transverse incision (at the border of the pubic hair), the extent of the procedure depends on the type of abdominal pathology, and the excised lesions are examined histologically.
The wound is usually closed with a running absorbable suture and the scar is almost invisible.
The procedure lasts about 30-90 minutes.

After the operation the patient stays about 2-3 days in the hospital.