Learn about Laparotomy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Laparotomy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Laparotomy

A laparotomy is a major surgical procedure involving a large incision through the abdominal wall to gain direct access to the abdominal cavity. Performed by a gastroenterologist or a gastrointestinal surgeon, it is a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for complex abdominal conditions that cannot be managed with minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy. During the procedure, the surgeon can thoroughly examine organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, take biopsies, remove tumors, repair perforations, control bleeding, or treat severe infections. While it offers unparalleled direct visualization and access, it is considered a more invasive approach with a longer recovery period compared to keyhole surgeries. It is typically reserved for emergencies like trauma or acute abdominal catastrophes, or for complex elective cases where other methods are insufficient.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 870 – USD 3,807 5-10 days ~ 4-8 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 6,442 – USD 28,184 5-10 days ~ 4-8 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Laparotomy in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing laparotomy.

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon13 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Gem Hospital Perungudi

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Gem Hospital Aminjikarai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
  • Icon38 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon57 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon94 Doctors

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon71 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Medanta The Medicity

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon900 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I'd been to three other doctors...

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Gastroenterologists for Laparotomy

Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform laparotomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Amarkishen Shetty
  • 37 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sandeep Gopal Krishna N R
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dheeraj Karanth C
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayaraj S P
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. B Vishwanath Tantry
  • 41 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sudipto Ghosh
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Umesh K J
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prasad Bhate
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anurag Shetty
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prashanth Pn
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Maruthesh Gowda C
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Antriksh Kumar
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Tuhin Subhra Mandal
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Uddhavesh M Paithankar
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harish K C
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Monika Sekaran
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Tamil
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Gem Hospital Aminjikarai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Puneeth B S
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayanth Leo
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Tamil
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Gem Hospital Aminjikarai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sambit Kumar Bhuyan
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ajay Kumar A V
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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