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The story behind laparotomy: How does this ancient technique save lives?
Laparotomy, or exploratory laparotomy, is a surgical procedure that involves opening the abdomen to examine internal organs. Uses of this technology range from treating trauma to diagnosing disease, and its importance cannot be underestimated. According to statistics, about 30,000 such operations are performed in the UK alone every year, which is enough to show its widespread application in surgical medicine.
Necessity of surgery
Exploratory laparotomy is often a life-saving procedure performed in the setting of trauma or other serious conditions. Whether internal bleeding is due to trauma, or inflammation or tumors are suspected, surgery can help identify the cause and treat it accordingly. According to reports, common indications for this surgery include:
Acute violent or penetrating trauma leading to internal bleeding, acute abdominal pain, cancer staging, and inability to perform surgery with less invasive methods.
The procedure of surgery
During the surgery, the doctor will make a large incision in the midline of the abdomen and carefully examine each area. This process is not just an abdominal opening, but also an in-depth investigation of the lesion. The first step in the operation is to look for any possible life threats, such as major bleeding, and then the doctor will systematically check the intestines, liver, spleen and other major organs.
Additional surgical procedures
Depending on the diagnosis, doctors may further perform other procedures during the exploratory surgery, such as splenectomy or intestinal repair. These procedures have the potential to save patients' lives and improve their health.
Depending on what is discovered during the operation, the doctor may perform various types of repair surgeries such as splenectomy and liver resection.
Risks and consequences of surgery
As with any major surgery, exploratory laparotomy has risks, including postoperative complications. The overall mortality rate is about 10% to 20%, especially in the case of emergency surgery, and this number is lower in patients who are in better health before surgery.
Possible complications after surgery include infection, bleeding, blood clots and other major problems, but most patients recover successfully.
Rehabilitation process
Most patients need to stay in the hospital for a few days or even longer after surgery. Rehabilitation is often accompanied by activity restrictions, and patients may need to undergo physical therapy or other rehabilitation therapies.
History of exploratory laparotomy
The history of exploratory laparotomy dates back to 1881. It was surgeon George E. Goodfellow who first documented the results of this procedure. Over time, this technology has continued to advance and adapt to new medical environments, allowing it to play a vital role in addressing acute trauma and disease diagnosis.
With the development of modern medical technology, the frequency of exploratory surgery has decreased, but in some critical situations, it is still an indispensable technology in the medical industry. How does this ancient surgical technique continue to adapt to the challenges of modern medicine and exert its life-saving role in the face of severe trauma or disease?
