Language
Country/Area
No result found
Secrets of abdominal surgery: Why does acute trauma require exploratory laparotomy?
In the treatment of acute trauma, exploratory laparotomy is a common choice for surgeons. This procedure involves further examination of the abdominal organs to detect any internal injuries or diseases that could be life-threatening early. For some acute trauma patients, this surgery may be the only option.
Abdominal surgery is not only an immediate treatment for trauma, but also a key means of diagnosing a variety of diseases.
Indications for surgery
According to the UK database, it is estimated that approximately 30,000 exploratory laparotomies are performed each year in England and Wales. Here are a few of the main reasons why this surgery is needed:
- Acute blunt or penetrating trauma with evidence of internal bleeding.
- Acute inflammation or gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, etc.
- Cancer staging, especially ovarian cancer and Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- The abdominal cavity cannot be accessed for surgery by less invasive methods.
Surgical Procedure
The basic approach to this surgery is to make a vertical incision down the middle of the abdomen, extending from the xiphoid process in the chest to the pubic symphysis in the pelvis, and then enter the abdomen to inspect for any evidence of injury or disease. When managing a trauma patient, the first step is to control any life-threatening bleeding, followed by a systematic examination of the abdominal organs.
During surgery, your doctor uses a variety of techniques and procedures to evaluate and treat any injuries found.
Add-ons
Depending on the findings of the injury or illness, your surgeon may perform a variety of other surgeries, such as:
- Splenectomy
- Hepatectomy
- Bowel repair or resection
- Nephrectomy
Prognosis and complications
The mortality rate after surgery is affected by many factors, including the patient's age, the severity of the injury, and the skill level of the surgeon. Typically, the mortality rate of emergency exploratory laparotomy is between 10% and 20%.
Complications may occur after surgery, including skin infection or severe internal bleeding.
The Recovery Process
Most patients need to stay in the hospital for several days after exploratory laparotomy, and some even need to be admitted to the intensive care unit. The recovery process may take weeks or even months.
Historical BackgroundThe history of exploratory laparotomy dates back to 1881, when physician George E. Goodfellow first performed the procedure to treat ballistic injuries. With the advancement of technology, this operation has gradually become a part of emergency medical treatment.
Although exploratory laparotomy plays an important role in diagnosis and treatment, with the advancement of technology, will this surgery be replaced by more advanced diagnostic methods in the future?
