Laparotomy in gynecology

Laparotomy is a surgical procedure used to access the inside of the abdominal cavity. It is done under general anesthesia, in cases where there are obstacles to performing laparoscopic surgery.

This procedure is performed by opening the abdomen to allow surgeons to access the organs and tissues within the abdomen.

Laparotomy is a key procedure used in various medical disciplines, but especially important in gynecology. It can be carried out for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes, but in most cases it is carried out for therapeutic purposes.

When used for diagnostic purposes, laparotomy allows surgeons to examine the inside of the abdominal cavity to find out the causes of various symptoms or diseases. This may include tests for tumors, cysts, inflammation, or other pathologies.

When therapeutic, laparotomy allows surgeons to perform a wide range of surgeries on organs in the abdomen.

Including the removal of tumors, cysts, uterus, ovaries, or other procedures that are needed to treat certain diseases or conditions.

Laparotomy in gynecology is often a necessary procedure that allows surgeons to access reproductive organs such as the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

This surgical procedure is often used in the diagnosis and treatment of various gynecological conditions, including endometriosis, ovarian tumors, uterine fibroids.

Laparotomy is also performed in cases of emergency interventions such as ectopic pregnancy or serious complications during pregnancy.

Laparotomy in gynecology is used in cases where laparoscopy is not possible or for some reason is not recommended.

Possible cases in which laparotomy is required are:

• removal of an ovarian cyst – cystectomy
• removal of fibroids – myomectomy
• removal of the uterus with or without ovaries and fallopian tubes (together called adnexa) – hysterectomy (with eventual adnexectomy)
• Surgical treatment of endometriosis
• caesarean section

Laparotomy helps surgeons diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, often at the same time. The procedure is adapted depending on the patient’s needs and the extent of the disease.

Generally speaking, laparotomy in gynecology is performed when necessary. In situations where laparoscopy is not possible, laparotomy remains the best choice.

Laparotomy is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. Preparation for laparotomy includes a consultation with a surgeon where you will receive all the information about the course of the procedure.

It is also necessary to consult an anesthesiologist who will refer you to the tests that need to be done before the procedure under general anesthesia.

The laparotomy procedure begins with an incision in the abdomen, usually along the midline or laterally, depending on the purpose of the procedure. After that, the surgeon carefully opens the layers of the abdominal wall until the abdominal cavity is reached.

The surgical incision is made through the skin, subcutaneous tissue and connective tissue of the muscles. The muscles then separate, and sometimes they also need to be cut.

For therapeutic purposes, during laparotomy, the surgeon may perform various procedures such as removing organs, repairing damaged structures , or removing tumors or cysts.

Once the laparotomy surgery is complete, the surgeon carefully closes the abdominal cavity layer by layer with the help of stitches to ensure adequate healing.

Depending on which organs inside the abdominal cavity need to be accessed, there are several different laparotomy. They differ according to the type, i.e. the position of the incision on the abdomen.

Types of laparotomy in gynecology are:

• Median laparotomy – a vertical incision is made that follows the midline of the body, and extends from the pubic bone perpendicular to the navel, which is bypassed if necessary if a longer incision is needed.
• Transverse laparotomy – a horizontal incision is made that is located below the level of the navel, it is cosmetically more acceptable and all good. The most common transverse incision in gynecological surgery is Pfannenstiel’s laparotomy , which is often called a “bikini incision” because it is located just above the pubic bone.

Recovery from laparotomy is a crucial part of the process after this surgical procedure. Recovery may vary depending on the reason for the laparotomy, the extent of the operation, and the individual characteristics of the patient.

After the laparotomy procedure, it is necessary to stay in the polyclinic under the supervision of medical staff who monitor your condition and the possible occurrence of complications.

Wound healing takes approximately 6 weeks. Once the wound has fully healed, you can plan to return to work.

For several weeks to 2 months, it is necessary to abstain from physical exertion and avoid sports activities. Light physical activity such as walking is recommended after the scar has healed, according to the surgeon’s instructions.

In order for the recovery to proceed successfully, we advise you to carefully follow the instructions on wound care, diet and physical activity after the procedure.

Although complications are relatively rare, it is important to monitor for signs of possible problems such as infections, bleeding, or abnormal symptoms and consult a doctor immediately if they occur.

Laparotomy is a significant operation, accordingly the recovery takes longer than with less invasive procedures.

Laparotomy in gynecology is usually a safe procedure, but as with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks. In rare cases, bleeding, infection or damage to organs inside the abdomen can occur.

When performing this type of surgery, possible complications are:

• damage to adjacent pelvic organs
• bleeding from damaged blood vessels
• hernias formed in the area of the surgical incision
• adhesions formed as a result of the procedure itself
• loss of sensation in the area of the surgical incision due to damage to nerve endings

Serious complications after laparotomy are rare if you are normally fit and your general health is relatively good.

Generally, surgeons use laparotomy only when it is needed. This could be due to speed or accessibility, or due to the serious nature of your condition.

Our professional medical team carefully follows surgical protocols, which ensures the success of the procedure, and reduces the possibility of complications to a minimum.

There are two different surgical methods when operating on the abdominal cavity: laparotomy and laparoscopy.

The main difference between these two types of surgical technique is the size of the incision that accesses the organs of the abdominal cavity.

Laparotomy is a classic incision that can be horizontal or vertical, with a length of 15 or more centimeters, while laparoscopy usually makes 4 smaller incisions of 5 to 10 mm in length.

Depending on the type of surgery, the length of recovery varies.

After laparotomy, the length of recovery ranges from several weeks to 2 months, and during laparoscopy, the patient returns to daily activities usually within 1 to 2 weeks.

Our main goal at the LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with a top-notch health service. That is why we have gathered a team of top experts, specialists and subspecialists who are the backbone of our multidisciplinary centers and specialist clinics.

The Gynecology Clinic of the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic provides medical care using the most modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of women’s intimate health.

In order to maintain the high quality of our medical services, we strive to be always available to our clients.

For a consultation and examination with our expert team, you can contact us by phone at +3851 2444646 or via our online form. Opening hours for orders are Monday to Friday 10:15 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.

We will warmly welcome you in the premises of the LF Medical Polyclinic.

Contact us with confidence and let us come up with the best solutions and answers to all your questions together.