Laparotomy

Abdominal incision (midline incision) in bowel obstruction (e.g. adhesions, tumour, ileus), peritonitis or abdominal trauma

Speciality General Surgery
Urgency elective, urgent, emergency
Duration 1 to 4 h
Blood Loss 250 ml to 2 litres (+/- Blood Transfusion)
Anaesthesia General Anaesthetic + Epidural
Anaesthesia II General +/- Local Anaesthetic, General +/- Nerve Block
Nerve Blocks Rectal Sheath, TAP-Block
Procedures Arterial line, Central line, Nasogastric tube, Urinary catheter
Pain mild-moderate (++)
Post-op Pain Epidural Infusion 3-5 days, Local up to 4-8 hours, Nerve Block up to 10-30 hours
Post-op Pain II Tablets, Suppositories, Injection (im, iv), PCA
Hospital Stay 5 to 12 days
Full Recovery 6 to 8 weeks
Additional Info often in sick patients, increased risk of death, duration of the operation depends on the underlying cause, arterial line and CVP-line may be necessary

Specialities