Exploratory Laparotomy

What this procedure is

An exploratory laparotomy is a surgical procedure where a doctor makes an incision (cut) in the abdominal wall to look at the organs inside. This allows the surgeon to see the area directly, which can be more detailed than looking at pictures from an X-ray or CT scan. It is often used as a diagnostic tool to find the cause of symptoms that other tests cannot explain.

The term "laparotomy" refers to the opening of the abdominal cavity. During the surgery, you are placed under general anesthesia, which is medicine that keeps you in a deep sleep so you do not feel pain. The surgeon can then examine organs like the liver, stomach, and intestines to check for signs of illness or injury.

What it treats or fixes

This procedure is used to identify and often repair various health issues. Your clinician may recommend it if they suspect internal bleeding, an infection, or a blockage in the bowels. It is also a common way to assess the extent of an injury after a physical accident.

Common reasons for this surgery include:

• Diagnosing pain: Finding the source of severe or ongoing abdominal pain.
• Treating infections: Locating and cleaning out pockets of infection, such as a ruptured appendix.
• Repairing organs: Fixing tears or holes in the stomach or intestinal lining.
• Taking samples: Removing a small piece of tissue, known as a biopsy, to be studied in a laboratory.

How common it is & where it's done

Exploratory laparotomy is a standard and frequently performed surgery in hospitals. It is considered a fundamental technique for surgeons when they need to make quick and accurate decisions about a patient's health. It is performed in a hospital operating room where the necessary sterile equipment and monitoring tools are available.

The procedure can be done as a planned surgery or as an emergency. In an emergency, it is often used to quickly find and stop internal bleeding. In planned cases, it is used when other diagnostic tests have not provided enough information. Your care team will include a surgeon, an anesthesiologist, and specialized nurses to ensure the procedure is done safely.

Recovery: What to Expect

After an exploratory laparotomy—a surgery where a clinician makes an incision (cut) in the abdomen to examine the organs—you will likely stay in the hospital for several days. Your care team will monitor your progress and help you manage any discomfort with medication. They may encourage you to sit up or take short walks soon after surgery to help your body heal and prevent blood clots.

Your diet will likely start with clear liquids and slowly move to solid foods as your digestive system wakes up. Before you go home, your clinician may provide specific instructions on how to care for your incision and when it is safe to return to your normal activities, such as driving or lifting heavy objects.

Risks & Possible Complications

While this procedure is a standard way to diagnose and treat abdominal issues, all surgeries carry some risks. Your clinician may discuss the following possibilities with you:

• Infection: This can happen at the site of the incision or inside the abdomen.
• Bleeding: Some bleeding is expected, but your team will watch for any signs of excessive blood loss.
• Organ injury: There is a small risk of accidental damage to nearby organs or blood vessels during the procedure.
• Incisional hernia: This is a weak spot in the abdominal wall that can develop at the site of the scar later on.

You should contact your clinician if you notice signs of a possible problem, such as a fever, chills, or if the incision site becomes very red, swollen, or painful.

Outcomes & Long-Term Results

The main goal of this surgery is to find the cause of your symptoms and, if possible, treat the issue right away. In many cases, the clinician may perform a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of tissue to be tested in a lab. These results help your care team decide on the best next steps for your health.

Your long-term results will depend on what the clinician finds during the surgery. Some patients may need follow-up treatments or additional appointments. Most people find that the incision heals into a scar that fades over time, though it is important to follow all recovery steps to ensure the best possible healing of the abdominal wall.

Emotional Support & Reassurance

It is very common to feel anxious or overwhelmed when facing a major surgery. Remember that your surgical team is there to support you and provide the highest level of care. They perform these procedures to get the clear answers needed to help you feel better.

Do not hesitate to ask your clinician any questions you have, no matter how small they may seem. Having a clear understanding of the process can help you feel more in control. Reaching out to family, friends, or support groups can also provide comfort as you focus on your recovery and well-being.

Why doctors recommend it

Your clinician may recommend an exploratory laparotomy if they need to see your internal organs more clearly than an imaging test allows. While tests like CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds are very helpful, they sometimes cannot show the full extent of an injury or illness. This procedure allows the surgical team to examine the stomach, liver, intestines, and other organs directly to find the cause of symptoms like unexplained pain or internal issues.

This surgery is often suggested when a diagnosis is still uncertain after other tests. By looking directly at the organs, the surgeon can identify problems that might be hidden on a screen. It is a common way to investigate internal bleeding, signs of infection, or unexplained growths within the abdomen.

Urgent vs planned treatment

This procedure can be performed as either an emergency or a scheduled surgery. An urgent laparotomy is often necessary if there is a sudden medical crisis, such as a severe injury from an accident or signs of a ruptured organ. In these situations, the surgery is done quickly to find and stop internal bleeding or to repair damage that could be life-threatening.

In other cases, the surgery is a planned part of your care. A scheduled laparotomy might be used when your medical team needs more information to treat a long-term condition. For example, it may be used to determine the stage of a disease or to take tissue samples (biopsies) to help plan the best course of future treatment. Your clinician will help you understand which approach is right for your specific health needs.

Goals of treatment

The main goal of an exploratory laparotomy is to move from searching for a problem to treating it. Once the surgeon identifies the source of the issue, they often try to fix it during the same procedure. This helps provide a definitive answer about your health and allows for immediate action.

Common goals during the surgery may include:

• Stopping internal bleeding to help the body stabilize.
• Removing a blockage in the intestines to allow for normal digestion.
• Repairing a hole or tear in an organ to prevent further complications.
• Taking tissue samples to help doctors understand the exact nature of a disease.

Success means your medical team has a clear understanding of your condition and has taken the necessary steps to start the healing process. This procedure is a vital tool for ensuring you receive the most accurate and effective care possible.

Who may benefit

An exploratory laparotomy is a procedure where a surgeon makes an incision (a surgical cut) in the abdomen to examine the internal organs. Your clinician may recommend this if you have severe abdominal pain or an injury that cannot be fully explained by other tests like X-rays or CT scans. It allows the medical team to see the organs directly and find the cause of a problem.

This surgery is often used in emergencies, such as when there is internal bleeding or a suspected blockage in the intestines. It may also be used to check for a perforation, which is a hole in the wall of an organ like the stomach. In other cases, it helps doctors determine the stage of a disease, such as cancer, to see if it has spread to nearby areas.

When it may not be the right option

While this procedure is helpful for diagnosis, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Your clinician may decide against it if you have a severe coagulopathy—a condition where the blood does not clot normally—as this could increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. If a person is too weak or unstable to safely receive general anesthesia (the medicine that puts you to sleep), the team may look for other ways to help.

In some situations, a less invasive method called a laparoscopy might be used instead. This involves smaller cuts and a tiny camera. If your medical team believes they can get the same information or fix the issue with these smaller incisions, they may choose that route to help speed up your recovery time.

Questions to ask your care team

It is important to feel comfortable with your treatment plan. You may want to bring a list of questions to your appointment to help you understand the process. Here are a few examples of what you might ask:

• Why is a laparotomy necessary instead of more imaging tests?
• What specific problems are you looking for during the surgery?
• Are there less invasive options, like laparoscopy, that might work for me?
• How will this surgery help determine my next steps for treatment?
• What is the expected recovery time, and how long will I stay in the hospital?

In the procedure room

When you arrive in the operating room, the surgical team will help you get settled on a padded table. The team usually includes your surgeon, an anesthesiologist, and several nurses. To help prevent infection, the skin on your abdomen will be cleaned with a special antiseptic soap, and sterile drapes will be placed around the area to keep it clean during the surgery.

You may notice various monitors and equipment nearby. These are used to keep a close watch on your health and comfort throughout the entire process. The room is kept very clean and organized to ensure the safest environment possible.

High-level steps

An exploratory laparotomy is a surgery where the doctor looks inside the abdomen to find the cause of a health problem. The main steps typically include:

• The Incision: The surgeon makes a single vertical cut (incision) down the middle of the abdomen. This allows them to see the organs clearly.
• The Examination: The surgeon carefully looks at and feels the organs, such as the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, to check for signs of injury, disease, or bleeding.
• Treatment: If a problem is found, your clinician may perform repairs right away, such as stopping a bleed or removing damaged tissue.
• Closing the Site: Once the exploration is finished, the incision is usually closed with stitches or staples.

In some cases, if there is significant swelling or if the surgeon needs to check the area again soon, they may use "packing" (sterile gauze) or leave the incision open temporarily with a protective covering. This helps manage pressure and allows the body to heal more safely before the final stitches are placed.

Anesthesia and pain control

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be in a deep sleep and will not feel any pain during the surgery. The anesthesia team will stay by your side the entire time to manage your medications and ensure you remain safely asleep.

To help with comfort after you wake up, your clinician may use local numbing medicine around the incision site. You may also receive pain relief through an IV (a small tube in your vein). It is common to feel groggy or have a mild sore throat from the breathing tube used during anesthesia, but these feelings usually fade quickly.

Monitoring and safety steps

Your safety is the top priority for the surgical team. They follow several standard steps to ensure the procedure goes smoothly:

• Vital Signs: Your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are monitored every minute.
• Safety Checks: The team performs a "time-out" before starting to confirm your identity and the details of the procedure.
• Counting Supplies: Nurses count all instruments and sponges before and after the surgery to make sure everything is accounted for.
• Infection Prevention: You may receive antibiotics through your IV just before the surgery starts to help lower the risk of infection.

Immediately after the procedure

After the surgery is finished, you will be moved to a recovery room, often called the PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit). Specialized nurses will watch you closely as you slowly wake up from the anesthesia. You might feel some pressure, numbness, or soreness in your belly, which is normal after a major procedure.

You may notice a few tubes when you wake up, such as a catheter to drain urine or a small drain near your incision to remove extra fluid. Your team will check your pain levels frequently and provide medicine to keep you comfortable. They will also encourage you to take deep breaths and, when you are ready, help you begin moving in bed.

Typical procedure length

The length of an exploratory laparotomy can vary depending on what the surgeon finds. On average, the procedure takes between 1 and 4 hours. If the surgeon needs to perform complex repairs or if there is a lot of area to examine, it may take longer. Your surgical team will keep your loved ones updated if the procedure takes more time than originally expected.

Common approaches (open vs minimally invasive)

An exploratory laparotomy is considered an "open" surgery. This means the surgeon makes a large cut, called an incision, to clearly see the organs inside the abdomen. The most common approach uses a vertical incision down the middle of the belly. This typically gives the doctor the best view and allows them to reach all areas of the abdomen quickly, which is especially important in emergencies.

In some cases, doctors may first try a minimally invasive method called laparoscopy. This uses very small cuts and a camera to look inside. However, this is not always applicable. If the camera does not show the problem clearly, or if there is too much bleeding or damage to fix through small holes, the surgeon may need to switch to a traditional open laparotomy to safely treat the condition.

Partial vs total

The size and location of the incision depend on what the doctor expects to find. If the medical team has a strong idea of where the problem is—such as in the upper right side or lower pelvis—they may use a smaller, targeted incision. This allows them to explore only that specific part of the abdomen.

In other situations, a full or "total" exploration is necessary. This is common when the cause of pain is unknown or during trauma cases where there might be hidden injuries. A longer midline incision allows the surgeon to examine the entire abdominal cavity, checking four different zones (quadrants) to ensure no issues are missed.

Revision or repeat procedures

Sometimes, a single surgery cannot fix everything at once. In severe cases, such as major trauma or serious infection, doctors may use a "damage control" approach. They perform a quick surgery to stop bleeding or control contamination, but they may leave the abdomen temporarily closed or covered rather than stitching it up completely.

This is often followed by a planned "second-look" procedure or revision. Once the patient is more stable, the team returns to the operating room to remove packing materials, check for further issues, and perform the final repairs. This multi-step approach is not used for routine cases and is generally reserved for complex situations.

Tests and imaging that may be done

Before your surgery, your healthcare team needs to check your general health and plan the procedure. They will likely perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history. You may also need standard lab work, such as blood tests and a urine test.

To get a better look at your abdominal organs before the operation, your doctor may order imaging tests. These commonly include X-rays, a CT scan (which uses computers to make a detailed picture), or an MRI scan.

Medication adjustments

It is very important to tell your surgeon about every medicine you take. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Your care team needs this information to keep you safe during anesthesia.

Some medications can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Your clinician may ask you to temporarily stop taking blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E. However, you should only stop medicines if your clinician instructs you to do so. They will give you a specific schedule for which drugs to pause and which ones to take on the morning of your surgery.

Day-before and day-of instructions

Your surgical team will give you a specific list of steps to follow as your appointment approaches. Preparing your body helps lower the risk of infection and complications. Common instructions include:

• Fasting: You will likely be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. This keeps your stomach empty for anesthesia.
• Hygiene: You may need to shower with a special antibacterial soap the night before or the morning of the procedure.
• Personal items: Leave jewelry and valuables at home. You will need to remove contact lenses, dentures, and piercings before going into the operating room.
• Arranging a ride: Because you will be under general anesthesia (asleep) during the surgery, you will not be allowed to drive yourself home. Plan to have a friend or family member drive you.
• Smoking: If you smoke, your doctor will likely ask you to stop for a period before and after surgery, as smoking can slow down the healing process.

General surgical risks

Like any major operation, an exploratory laparotomy carries some standard risks. Your surgical team takes many precautions to lower the chance of these problems occurring.

• Infection: Bacteria can sometimes enter the incision site or the abdomen.
• Bleeding: Some blood loss is normal, but excessive bleeding is a possibility.
• Blood clots: Lying still during and after surgery can increase the risk of clots forming in the legs or lungs.
• Anesthesia reactions: Some patients may have a reaction to the medication used to put them to sleep.

Procedure-specific complications

Because this surgery involves opening the abdomen to examine internal organs, there are specific issues that can happen. These are generally less common but are important to understand.

• Organ injury: Rarely, nearby organs like the bowel or bladder may be accidentally nicked or damaged during the procedure.
• Adhesions: Bands of scar tissue can form between organs inside the belly. Over time, these can sometimes cause pain or blockages.
• Ileus: The intestines may temporarily stop moving contents through the digestive tract. This causes bloating and nausea until the bowel "wakes up."
• Hernia: The abdominal wall may weaken at the incision site, allowing tissue to bulge through later on.

How complications are treated

Your medical team will monitor you closely after surgery to catch any issues early. Most complications can be managed effectively if they do occur.

Infections are typically treated with antibiotics and wound care. If the bowel is slow to start working (ileus), your clinician may restrict your diet and provide fluids through an IV until it resolves. In cases where an organ is damaged or a hernia forms, a second surgery may be needed to repair the area.

Pain control medicines

During an exploratory laparotomy, you will typically receive general anesthesia. This is a combination of medicines that puts you into a deep sleep so you do not feel pain during the procedure. Your clinician may also use local anesthetics (numbing medicine) around the incision site to help with comfort immediately after you wake up.

After surgery, your care team will work to manage your discomfort. This often involves a "multimodal" approach, meaning they use different types of medicine together. These may include:

• Analgesics: Medicines like acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling.
• Opioids: Stronger pain relievers that may be used for a short time if other medicines are not enough.

Your clinician will tailor this plan to your specific needs. It is important to share your health history, including any past reactions to pain medicine, to ensure the safest plan for you.

Antibiotics

To help prevent an infection at the surgical site, your clinician will likely give you prophylactic antibiotics. "Prophylactic" means the medicine is used as a precaution to stop an infection before it starts. These are usually given through an IV (a small tube in your vein) shortly before the surgery begins.

The specific type of antibiotic depends on the reason for your surgery and your medical history. For many abdominal surgeries, clinicians use a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. If the surgery involves certain organs, they may add other types to provide broader protection.

Be sure to tell your surgical team if you have any known allergies, especially to penicillin or similar medications. This helps them choose the safest option for your body.

Blood thinners and clot prevention

Major surgery and the recovery time spent in bed can increase the risk of developing blood clots in the legs. To help prevent this, your clinician may use anticoagulants, which are medicines often called blood thinners. Common examples include heparin or similar medications given by injection.

In addition to medicine, your team may use mechanical methods to keep your blood flowing, such as:

• Sequential compression devices: Inflatable sleeves worn on the legs that gently squeeze to help blood move.
• Compression stockings: Tight-fitting socks that support vein health.

Your clinician will balance the need for clot prevention with the need to manage bleeding risks after surgery. They will monitor you closely to ensure these treatments are working safely for you.

Emergency warning signs

While serious complications are rare, an exploratory laparotomy is a major surgery. You or a caregiver should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if you experience life-threatening symptoms.

Seek emergency care if you notice:

• Trouble breathing: Shortness of breath or chest pain.
• Wound opening: The surgical cut (incision) pulls apart or opens up.
• Heavy bleeding: Bright red blood soaks through your bandages quickly.
• Sudden confusion: Fainting or being unable to wake up fully.

Call your surgeon or clinic if…

Some symptoms are not immediate emergencies but still require medical attention to prevent problems like infection or bowel blockage. Your care team will provide a contact number for recovery questions.

Reach out to your healthcare provider if you have:

• Signs of infection: A fever (usually over 101°F or 38.3°C), chills, or yellow/green drainage from the incision.
• Worsening redness: Redness or warmth spreading around the cut.
• Digestive blockage: Severe nausea, vomiting that does not stop, or the inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement.
• Unmanaged pain: Pain that gets worse even after taking your prescribed medication.
• Leg swelling: Pain or swelling in one of your legs, which could be a sign of a clot.

Expected vs concerning symptoms

Recovery takes time, often 4 to 6 weeks. Knowing what is normal can help you stay calm during the healing process.

Pain and Soreness

Expected: It is normal to feel soreness and pain around the incision, especially when moving or coughing. This should improve gradually over time.

Concerning: Sudden, sharp pain that is much worse than before, or pain that prevents you from moving at all, may indicate a problem.

Digestion and Appetite

Expected: Your bowels may be slow to wake up after surgery (a condition called ileus). You might feel bloated or have a poor appetite for a few days.

Concerning: If your stomach becomes very hard, swollen, and painful, or if you cannot keep any liquids down, let your doctor know right away.

Energy Levels

Expected: Feeling tired or fatigued is very common as your body uses energy to heal the abdominal wall.

Concerning: Extreme weakness, dizziness, or passing out are not normal parts of recovery.

Non-surgical treatments

Before suggesting an exploratory laparotomy, your clinician may use several non-surgical tools to understand what is happening inside your abdomen. Common tests include imaging like ultrasounds (using sound waves to see organs), CT scans (detailed X-rays), or MRIs. These tests help the medical team look for issues without making any incisions.

In some cases, your care team may try medications first. For example, if they suspect an infection, they might prescribe antibiotics. They may also use specialized blood tests to check how your organs are functioning. Another alternative is laparoscopy, which is a less invasive procedure that uses a tiny camera and small "keyhole" cuts instead of one large incision.

Watchful waiting

If your symptoms are stable and not life-threatening, your clinician may suggest watchful waiting. This means they will monitor your condition closely over a period of time rather than performing surgery right away. You might have regular check-ups or repeat imaging tests to see if the issue resolves on its own or changes.

This approach is often used when the cause of abdominal pain is unclear but the patient is not in immediate danger. It allows the body time to heal if the problem is minor, such as a mild inflammation. Your medical team will give you specific signs to look for that might mean you need more active treatment.

When surgery becomes the best option

An exploratory laparotomy usually becomes necessary when other tests do not provide a clear answer. If imaging results are inconclusive or "fuzzy," your clinician may need to look directly at the organs to find the source of the problem. This is often the most reliable way to get a definitive diagnosis for complex issues.

Surgery may also be the best choice in an emergency. This includes situations like severe internal bleeding, signs of a ruptured organ, or trauma from an accident. In these cases, the speed of a laparotomy allows the surgeon to quickly identify and fix the problem, which can be life-saving. Your clinician will weigh the risks of surgery against the need for a fast, accurate diagnosis.

Hospital services that commonly perform this surgery

Exploratory laparotomy is a major procedure typically performed in the General Surgery department of a hospital. Because this surgery is often used to diagnose or treat urgent issues like internal bleeding or sudden abdominal pain, it is frequently coordinated through the Emergency Department. The procedure takes place in a sterile operating room (OR) where a full surgical team is present.

Depending on the reason for the surgery, other specialized hospital units may be involved. For instance, if the surgery is related to the digestive tract, the Gastroenterology department may provide consultation. If the procedure is intended to investigate a potential growth, the Oncology (cancer care) team might be part of your care plan. After surgery, patients are usually monitored in a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) before being moved to a standard hospital room.

Patient resources and support services

Hospitals often provide support services to help you navigate the recovery process. Patient Navigators or social workers can assist with discharge planning, helping you arrange for any medical equipment or home health services your clinician may recommend. They can also help you understand your insurance coverage and coordinate follow-up appointments.

Common support services available during and after your hospital stay include:

• Pain Management Teams: Specialists who work to keep you comfortable and manage medications after your surgery.
• Physical and Occupational Therapy: Professionals who help you regain your strength and teach you how to move safely while your abdominal incision heals.
• Registered Dietitians: Experts who can provide guidance on what to eat as your digestive system returns to normal function.

Questions for choosing where to have surgery

If your exploratory laparotomy is scheduled in advance, you may have the opportunity to choose where the procedure is performed. It is helpful to select a facility that is well-equipped for abdominal surgery and post-operative care. You may want to ask your clinician the following questions:

• Is this hospital accredited and experienced in performing major abdominal surgeries?
• Does the facility have a dedicated surgical recovery floor or an intensive care unit (ICU) if extra monitoring is needed?
• What is the hospital’s protocol for managing pain and preventing infections after surgery?
• Are there support staff available to help me plan for my care at home after I am discharged?
• How does the surgical team communicate with my primary care doctor or other specialists after the procedure?

Conditions commonly treated by this procedure

An exploratory laparotomy is a surgical procedure where a clinician makes an incision in the abdomen to look at the organs. This may be done when other tests, like X-rays or CT scans, do not provide a clear diagnosis. It allows the surgical team to identify and sometimes treat issues directly during the same operation.

Common conditions that may lead to this procedure include:

• Abdominal trauma: This includes internal injuries from accidents or physical impact that may cause bleeding.
• Bowel obstruction: A blockage in the small or large intestine that prevents normal digestion.
• Peritonitis: This is an inflammation or infection of the peritoneum, which is the thin lining of the abdominal cavity.
• Ectopic pregnancy: A condition where a pregnancy develops outside the uterus, which can be a medical emergency.
• Appendicitis: Severe inflammation or infection of the appendix.
• Certain cancers: The procedure may be used to see if a cancer has spread or to help determine the best stage for treatment.

Related symptoms people search for

People who require an exploratory laparotomy often experience symptoms that suggest a serious issue within the abdomen. Your clinician may recommend this procedure if you have symptoms that cannot be explained by non-invasive tests or if your condition is changing rapidly.

Symptoms that can be associated with the need for this surgery may include:

• Severe or sudden abdominal pain that does not go away with rest.
• Significant bloating or visible swelling in the stomach area.
• Signs of internal bleeding, such as feeling very faint or having a rapid heart rate.
• Unexplained weight loss or long-term changes in bowel habits.
• Persistent nausea or vomiting that makes it difficult to keep food or liquids down.

It is important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by many different health concerns. Only a qualified healthcare provider can determine if surgery is the right step for your specific situation. If you are experiencing severe pain, you should seek medical evaluation immediately.

Evidence overview

Exploratory laparotomy is a standard, widely accepted surgical procedure. It is considered a reliable method for diagnosing and treating abdominal conditions when other tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, cannot provide a clear answer. Medical guidelines often recommend this surgery for emergency situations, such as severe abdominal trauma or unexplained internal bleeding, where a surgeon needs to see the organs directly to find the problem.

Because this is a major surgery, it is typically performed only when necessary. However, it remains a primary option for doctors to identify issues with organs like the liver, intestines, or stomach. In many cases, the surgeon can diagnose the issue and perform the necessary repairs during the same operation.

Safety notes and individualized care

Your surgical team will take many steps to ensure your safety before, during, and after the procedure. Because exploratory laparotomy involves a large incision, your doctors will review your medical history to lower the risks associated with anesthesia and healing. Common risks for any major surgery include infection at the incision site, bleeding, or blood clots.

There are also specific considerations for abdominal surgery that your clinician may discuss with you:

• Bowel function: The intestines may be slow to start moving again after surgery, a temporary condition known as ileus.
• Scar tissue: As you heal, internal bands of scar tissue called adhesions can form between organs.
• Hernia risk: In some cases, the abdominal wall may weaken at the incision site, leading to a hernia later on.

Recovery is highly individual. It depends on your overall health and exactly what the surgeon finds and fixes inside the abdomen. Your care team will create a recovery plan tailored to your specific needs to help you heal as safely as possible.