Natural Health and Herbal Remedies Blog

LAPAROTOMY

Because ‘-otomy’ means cutting a hole into, you could think of this as cutting a hole in your lap. It is the name given to the operation surgeons use to explore and treat the abdomen and pelvis.

Aims and indications. It may be performed for a variety of reasons, usually diagnostic and/or therapeutic. In gynaecology, a woman may undergo a laparotomy in order to have any of her pelvic organs examined or operated on, for example removal of an ovarian cyst, microsurgery on the fallopian tubes, assessment of the spread of ovarian cancer after treatment, etc.

Method. A general anaesthetic is given, and a cut is made on the abdomen. In gynaecological surgery, this is usually along what is known as the ‘bikini line’, just above the pubic hair (which has been shaved to make for cleaner, easier surgery). Surgeons love giving things names, and this cut is actually known as the Pfannenstiel incision, presumably after Dr Pfannenstiel. The various layers are carefully cut and dissected (skin, fat, muscle, peritoneum), so the organs inside are visible, and whatever needs to be done is done, then the whole opening up routine is reversed, layer upon layer. Women need to stay in hospital for a few days after the operation.

Complications. These would vary according to the reason for the laparotomy, who is performing it, and who is having it done to them. Any surgery carries with it risks, such as bleeding and infection, and anaesthetic-associated risks.

*241\52\4*

RelatedPosts:

• BREAST CANCER: TREATMENT
• FEMALE STERILISATION (MICRO-INSERTS): WHERE TO GET IT AND ITS COSTS?
• PROGESTOGEN IUD: AFTER ITS INSERTION
• THE PILL (THE COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL): USING OF THE PILL