Opening the abdomen, or “Laparotomy”, is a basic task common to many surgical procedures.
Laparotomy may be needed to explore the abdomen, looking for a source of internal bleeding. It may be needed prior to removal of an appendix or a gall bladder that is diseased. The following 12 steps describe one method for entering the abdomen, while matching the procedures performed by the Surgeon with the items supplied by the Scrub.
The 12 steps listed here are not the only good way to open an abdomen. Alternative incisions, techniques, and tools can be used effectively for this purpose. Here is a brief video demonstrating a laparotomy used to open the lower abdomen using a transverse, pfannenstiel type incision.