Word parts
What it means
Open abdominal surgery, often through a long cut down the middle of the abdomen. An exploratory laparotomy is done to find and fix the cause of a problem, such as bleeding after trauma. It means more pain and a longer recovery than laparoscopiclap-uh-roh-SKOP-ikDone through a few small cuts in the abdomen with a thin camera and long instruments, instead of one large opening.lapar/o abdomen-scopic viewingFull entry surgery.
For the nurse
After surgery, manage pain, help the client hold a pillow against the incision when coughing and deep breathing, get them walking early, and listen for bowel sounds and ask about passing gas before advancing the diet. Report wound drainage that increases or edges that separate.
Related terms
postoperative
Describing the time after surgery, from the end of the operation until recovery.
laparoscopy
Surgery or an exam done through small cuts in the belly, using a thin, lighted tube with a camera.
laparoscopic
Done through a few small cuts in the abdomen with a thin camera and long instruments, instead of one large opening.
coughing and deep breathing
A breathing exercise in which the client takes several slow, deep breaths and then coughs to clear the lungs.