| Basic Information |
|
| Definition |
|
Any surgical opening made into the abdomen.
|
|
| Reasons For Procedure |
- Diagnostic examination of the abdominal organs.
- Collection of tissue samples for diagnosis.
- Closure of hernias in the abdominal wall.
- Repair or removal of abnormal tissue.
- Removal of diseased organs.
- Correction of unsightly or disfiguring abnormalities.
|
| Risk Increases With |
- Stress; obesity, smoking.
- Excess alcohol consumption.
- Poor nutrition.
- Recent acute infection.
- Chronic illness.
- History of prior abdominal surgery, particularly if it occurred
at the site of the current surgery.
- Use of drugs such as antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers;
sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or
cortisone.
- Use of mind-altering drugs, including narcotics; psychedelics;
hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.
|
| Description of Procedure |
- Spinal or general anesthesia is administered by injection and
inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.
- An incision is made in the abdomen. The abdominal muscles are
separated, and the peritoneum (inner lining of the abdomen) is opened.
- Blood vessels cut during the surgery are clamped and tied.
- Wound edges are retracted with a special instrument.
- Fluid in the abdominal cavity is often removed for laboratory
examination.
- The abdominal organs are examined. Other surgeries may be performed
at this time.
- Samples of suspicious tissue are gathered or diseased areas are
treated.
- The peritoneum is closed, and the muscles are reconstructed with
heavy sutures.
- The skin is closed with sutures or clips, which usually can be
removed about 3 to 7 days after surgery.
|
| Expected Outcome |
|
Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 4 weeks
for recovery from surgery.
|
|
| Possible Complications |
- Excessive bleeding.
- Surgical-wound infection.
- Incisional hernia.
- Abscess formation.
- Complications related to the anesthetic.
- On rare occasions, injury to bowel, bladder, pelvic organs and
blood vessels.
|
| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
|
| General Measures |
- A hard ridge should form along the incision. As it heals, the
ridge will recede gradually.
- Use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp or a warm compress to
relieve incisional pain.
- Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the incision gently with
mild unscented soap.
- Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease
the chance of deep-vein blood clots.
|
| Medication |
- Prescription pain medication should generally only be required
for 2 to 7 days following the procedure.
- You may use nonprescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for
minor pain.
- Stool softener laxative, if needed to prevent constipation.
- Antibiotics, if needed to fight infection.
|
| Activity |
- To help recovery and aid your well-being, resume daily activities,
including work, as soon as you are able.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. Sexual relations
may be resumed when follow-up medical examination reveals complete
healing.
- Resume driving about 3 weeks after returning home.
|
| Diet |
|
Nasogastric suction is frequently required followed by a clear liquid
diet until the gastrointestinal tract functions again. Then eat a
well-balanced diet to promote healing. Another diet may be prescribed
depending on any special condition.
|
|
| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
Any of the following occurs:
- Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in
the surgical area.
- You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches' dizziness
or a general ill feeling and fever.
- You experience new symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation,
abdominal swelling or severe pain.
|