Understanding Laparotomy vs Laparoscopy: What's the Difference?

Laparotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the abdomen (laparos) to gain access to the internal organs or tissues for examination, repair, or removal of diseased tissue. The term "laparotomy" is often used interchangeably with "laparoscopy," but they are not exactly the same thing.

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a thin, lighted tube (called a laparoscope) to visualize the internal organs or tissues through small incisions in the abdomen. Laparotomy, on the other hand, involves a larger incision in the abdomen to gain access to the internal organs or tissues.

Laparotomy is typically used when a more extensive procedure is required, such as a bowel resection or the removal of a tumor. It may also be performed when laparoscopy is not feasible due to the location or extent of the disease.

The term "laparotomize" refers to the act of performing a laparotomy, and it can be used as a verb or a noun. For example, "The patient underwent a laparotomy to remove the tumor" or "The surgeon performed a laparotomy on the patient."