Open abdominal surgery

Question 1

What is open abdominal surgery?

Answer 1

Surgery which requires a large incision that exposes the inner organs, this may include a laparotomy ( a midline cut)

Question 2

What are the indications for a laparotomy?

Answer 2

> Blunt abdominal trauma.
Hemorrhage/haemoperitoneum.
Perforated viscus.
Peritonitis.
Intestinal obstruction with hugely distended bowel loops, making a successful laparoscopic intervention unlikely.
Large specimen extraction
Multiple previous abdominal operations, making extensive adhesions likely
Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding that is not controlled by endoscopic intervention or embolisation

Question 3

What are the complications of a laparotomy?

Answer 3

>Bleeding
>Infection
>Bruising
>Seroma/ hematoma
>Wound dehiscence
>Necrosis
>Incisional herniation
>Chronic pain
>Skin numbness
>Fistulation with underlying structures
>Raised intra-abdominal compartment pressure
>Damage to underlying structures
>Poor cosmesis