Laparotomy is a procedure in which a surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen in order to inspect the abdominal cavity. During laparotomy, the surgeon can correct structural problems or remove tumors, sites of endometriosis (implants), or scar tissue (adhesions).

Laparotomy is also used to diagnose and treat female pelvic conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and ectopic pregnancy. Laparotomy is less commonly used to explore the source of abdominal problems.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Revised	June 15, 2009