About Laparotomy
Key Highlights
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Provides direct, comprehensive visualization and access to the entire abdominal cavity for accurate diagnosis and treatment.Enables the management of complex, life-threatening conditions like severe trauma, internal bleeding, or bowel perforation.Allows for extensive surgical interventions such as tumor resection, bowel resection, or abscess drainage that may be challenging laparoscopically.Can be both a definitive diagnostic procedure and a therapeutic intervention in a single operation.Often the procedure of choice in emergency settings where speed and full access are critical.
Who is this surgery for?
- Acute abdominal emergencies: such as perforated ulcer, bowel obstruction, or traumatic injury with internal bleeding.
- Diagnosis of unexplained abdominal pain or pathology when imaging is inconclusive.
- Staging and resection of abdominal malignancies (e.g., stomach, colon, pancreatic cancer).
- Treatment of severe intra-abdominal infections or abscesses not amenable to percutaneous drainage.
- Management of complications from previous surgeries, like anastomotic leaks or adhesions causing obstruction.
- Control of massive gastrointestinal bleeding where endoscopic methods have failed.
- Evaluation and treatment of inflammatory conditions like severe Crohn's disease or diverticulitis with complications.
How to prepare
- Complete pre-operative assessment including blood tests, imaging (CT scan, ultrasound), and cardiac evaluation.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before surgery to ensure an empty stomach.
- Bowel preparation (enema or laxatives) may be required for certain planned procedures.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the doctor.
- Informed consent process detailing the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the surgery.
- Showering with antiseptic soap the night before or morning of the procedure.
- Arranging for post-operative support and transportation, as hospitalization is required.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Reaction to anesthesia, bleeding (hemorrhage), and blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
- Infection: At the incision site (surgical site infection) or within the abdomen (peritonitis, abscess).
- Injury to nearby organs: Such as the intestines, bladder, or blood vessels.
- Formation of adhesions: Scar tissue that can cause future bowel obstruction or pain.
- Incisional hernia: Weakness or bulging at the site of the surgical scar.
- Prolonged ileus: Temporary paralysis of the intestines delaying return of bowel function.
- Wound complications: Including dehiscence (opening) or poor healing, especially in malnourished patients.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring pain, vital signs, and return of bowel function (passing gas, bowel movements).
- Pain management with intravenous and later oral medications.
- Gradual advancement of diet from clear liquids to solid foods as tolerated.
- Early mobilization: Getting out of bed and walking as soon as advised to prevent complications.
- Incision care: Keeping the wound clean and dry, watching for signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge).
- Activity restrictions: Avoiding heavy lifting (more than 5-10 kgs), strenuous exercise, and driving for several weeks.
- Follow-up appointments for wound check, suture/staple removal, and assessment of recovery progress.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering laparotomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for laparotomy in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Baner, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform laparotomy. MediFyr helps you compare gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for laparotomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Laparotomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing laparotomy.
Anjali Smith, a 42-year-old single mother...
Anjali Smith, a 42-year-old single mother and high school teacher, had been battling unexplained abdominal pain and severe bloating for over a year. Her symptoms, initially dismissed as stress or IBS, worsened to the point of debilitating cramps and unexplained weight loss. After a CT scan revealed a concerning mass in her small bowel, her gastroenterologist, Dr. Chen, recommended a diagnostic laparotomy. He explained it was the only way to get a definitive diagnosis and potentially remove the mass. Anjali was terrified of the surgery's invasiveness and the recovery time away from her teenage son. The procedure confirmed and successfully removed a benign stromal tumor. Her recovery in the hospital was painful but manageable with support. Six weeks post-op, her pain was gone, and she was regaining her strength and energy. The emotional relief of having a clear diagnosis and being on the mend was profound. She moved from a state of constant fear and uncertainty to one of gratitude and cautious optimism, finally feeling in control of her health again.
Gastroenterologists for Laparotomy
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform laparotomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 25 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 34 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 18 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 49 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 32 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai