A surgical procedure involving an incision through the abdominal wall to gain access into the abdominal cavity laparotomized.
A type of tubal ligation procedure.
A surgical operation to cut open the abdominal cavity.
Any surgical procedure in which an incision is made into the abdominal wall, often done for exploration (e.g., to examine abdominal organs).
A surgical incision into the abdominal cavity. The operation is done to examine the abdominal organs as an aid to diagnosis; for example, to establish the spread of a growth (exploratory laparotomy) or as a prelude to major surgery.
A general term applied to any operation in which the abdominal cavity is opened. A laparotomy may be exploratory to establish a diagnosis, or carried out as a preliminary to further surgery. Viewing of the peritoneal cavity through an endoscope is called a laparoscopy or peritoneoscopy.