Frequently Asked Questions

What is Laparotomy?

Laparotomy is also called as Celiotomy. It is a surgical procedure that involves making a large incision through the abdominal wall for the examination of the peritoneal cavity and internal organs of the abdomen. This surgery helps to find out the intestinal and abdominal diseases or disorders.

What are the advantages of Laparotomy?

1. To check injuries to any organs in the abdomen after an accident
2. To find the cause of severe pain in the abdomen
3. Finds the cause of the internal bleeding
4. Finds tumors and their growth in the abdomen when X-ray or ultrasound results aren’t clear
5. Checks if cancer has spread to other regions
6. To diagnose endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic floor disorders, etc

What are the indications of Laparotomy?

Laparotomy is indicated to observe and examine the following organs:

1. Liver
2. Gall bladder
3. Pancreas
4. Appendix
5. Spleen
6. Stomach
7. The small or large intestine
8. Pelvic or reproductive organs

It is also indicated in the following conditions:

1. Abdominal trauma
2. Peritonitis
3. Perforated viscus
4. Intestinal bleeding due to an unknown condition
5. Unable to perform Laparoscopy

What is the preparation for Laparotomy?

1. The patient should stop eating and drinking at least 8 to 12 hours before the surgery.
2. The doctor may suggest the patient to undergo a few lab tests to check the health condition of the patient.
3. The patient should discuss all the risks, complications, and benefits of Laparotomy with the doctor.
4. Should inform past and present medical and medication history to the doctor.
5. The patient should sign a consent form before undergoing this surgery.

What are the steps involved in Laparotomy?

1. Before undergoing this surgery, the patient will be sedated using general anesthesia.
2. Then, the surgeon will mark the abdominal region to confirm the incision area.
3. The surgeon will make a single incision through the skin and muscle of the abdomen.
4. Next, the internal organs of the abdomen will be exposed for examination.
5. If any medical condition is diagnosed, it will be fixed. In a few cases, further surgery may be required.
6. After completion of the examination of the internal organs, the surgeon will close the incision by stitching the skin and muscle.
   

What is the postsurgery care/recovery care for Laparotomy?

1. After completion of the surgery, vital signs [Blood pressure, respiratory rate, heartbeat, pulse rate, etc.]of the patient will be monitored by the doctor.
2. A small tube may be passed to the stomach through the nose to drain stomach secretions for 2-4 days.
3. To drain off the urine, a urinary catheter may be inserted.
4. If pain is present at the site of incision, use the painkillers prescribed by the doctor.
5. Follow all the exercises as suggested by the physiotherapist or doctor.
   

Who can perform Laparotomy [Right specialist type for Laparotomy]?

Laparotomy can be performed by: 

1. Laparoscopic surgeon
2. General surgeon
   

What is the cost of Laparotomy?

The cost of Laparotomy depends on several factors such as:

1. Admission fee
2. Doctor fee
3. The medical condition of the patient
4. Post-surgical complications that are involved
5. Type of hospital or clinic
6. The room that you opted for
7. Any other examination test suggested by the doctor or surgeon

Minimum cost for Laparotomy in Delhi starts from Rs.52,500

Average expenses for Laparotomy in Delhi is approximately Rs.68,250

Maximum amount to be paid for Laparotomy in Delhi rises up to Rs.78,750

Is Laparotomy a major surgery or minor surgery?

Laparotomy is considered as major surgery as it involves making a single big incision through the abdomen to examine the internal organs.

What is the eligibility criteria for Laparotomy?

People who can undergo Laparotomy are the who are suffering from the following conditions:

1. Liver disease
2. Severe abdominal trauma
3. Gastrointestinal cancer
4. Abdominal tumor
5. Unknown cause for severe abdominal pain and bleeding

What is the ineligibility criteria for Laparotomy?

People with the following conditions cannot undergo Laparotomy:

1. High blood pressure
2. Diabetes
3. Clotting or bleeding disorders
4. Inflammation of the bowel
5. Ascites, etc.

What are the risks and complications of Laparotomy?

Few risks and complication of Laparotomy are:

1. Infection
2. Rarely complications from anesthesia
3. Bloating
4. Damage to the abdominal organs
5. Inflammation in the abdominal wall
6. Bleeding
7. Redness, swelling, drainage or bleeding at the site of the incision
8. Shortness of breath

How long does it take to complete Laparotomy?

A surgeon may take 1-2 hours to complete the Laparotomy and in a few cases more time may be taken to examine the internal organs and it depends on the severity of the disease condition and health condition of the patient.

What is the recovery time?

Individuals who undergo laparotomy may take almost 6 weeks to recover completely.

What is the success rate of Laparotomy?

The success rate of Laparotomy depends on the following factors:

1. Age of the patient
2. Health condition of the patient
3. Experience of the surgeon in performing Laparotomy
4. Severity of the disease condition

However, the success rate of Laparotomy maybe around 76% to 90%.

Is Laparotomy painful?

During the surgery, the patient will not experience any pain due to the effect of anesthesia.

Is Laparotomy permanent?

Laparotomy is not a permanent surgery as the incision will be stitched after completion of the examination of abdominal organs.

Can Laparotomy be detected in future?

After completion of Laparotomy, scars may be present on the abdomen and these scars may heal within time under proper management.

What are the options if Laparotomy fails?

If Laparotomy fails, the doctor may suggest revision surgery or may prefer alternative methods for examination.

What are the alternatives for Laparotomy?

Some of the alternatives for Laparotomy are:

1. Laparoscopy
2. Ultrasound
3. CT scan
4. MRI scan