Laparotomy in gynecology

Such a surgical procedure of operations, as a laparotomy, often used in gynecology, is an open access to organs located in a small pelvis, and is performed by a small incision on the abdomen.

When is a laparotomy used?

Laparotomy is used when:

In carrying out laparotomy, surgeons often diagnose various pathological conditions, such as: inflammation of the organs located in the small pelvis, inflammation of the appendix (appendicitis), cancer of the ovaries and appendages of the uterus, formation of adhesions in the pelvic region. Often a laparotomy is used when a woman develops an ectopic pregnancy .

Kinds

There are several types of laparotomy:

  1. The operation is performed by the lower median incision. In this case, an incision is made along the line exactly between the navel and the pubic bone. This method of laparotomy is often used for tumor diseases, for example, in uterine myomas. The advantage of this method is that the surgeon can at any time expand the incision, thereby increasing access to organs and tissues.
  2. Laparotomy according to Pfannenstil is the main method used in gynecology. The incision is made along the lower line of the abdomen, which allows it to completely disguise itself and after healing, the remaining small scar is almost impossible to see.

The main advantages

The main advantages of laparotomy are:

Differences in laparotomy and laparoscopy

Many women often identify 2 different surgical methods: laparoscopy and laparotomy. The main differences between these two operations are that laparoscopy is performed mainly for the purpose of diagnosis, and laparotomy is already a method of direct surgical intervention, which entails the removal or excision of a pathological organ or tissue. Also, when carrying out a laparotomy on a woman's body, a large incision is made, after which a seam remains, and when laparoscopy there are only small wounds that are tightened after 1-1,5 weeks.

Depending on what is done - a laparotomy or a laparoscopy, the terms of rehabilitation are different. After laparotomy, it is from a few weeks to 1 month, and with laparoscopy the patient returns to normal life after 1-2 weeks.

Consequences of laparotomy and possible complications

When performing such an operation as a laparotomy of the uterus, it is possible to damage neighboring pelvic organs. In addition, the risk of adhesions after surgery increases. This is because during surgery surgical devices come into contact with the peritoneum, as a result of which it becomes inflamed, and spikes form on it, which "glue" the organs together.

When conducting a laparotomy, there may be a complication such as bleeding. It is caused by rupture or damage to the organs (rupture of the fallopian tubes), while performing a cavitary operation. In this case, it is necessary to remove the entire organ, which will lead to infertility.

When can I plan pregnancy after laparotomy?

Depending on which organ from the reproductive system underwent operative intervention, the terms after which it is possible to become pregnant vary. In general, it is not recommended to plan pregnancy earlier than six months after the laparotomy.