Laparotomy is the medical term used to describe surgical procedures performed through an incision in the abdominal wall. This incision is usually from 4 to 12 inches long. It is made horizontally (Pffanansteil or "bikini") or vertically up to (and sometimes around and above) the umbilicus (belly button). The incision is carried all the way through the abdominal wall and is held open during the operation with metal "retractors", allowing the surgeon to place both hands and instruments inside the abdomen. This incision is responsible for the vast majority of pain experienced by patients following surgery, the 5 to 6 week recovery, and a significant number of postoperative complications . It requires a minimum 4 and 6 weeks to heal sufficiently to allow the patient to resume most normal activities.

These wounds may get infected, breakdown, or result in undesirable scars. One of the primary advantages of laparoscopic surgery is to avoid these large incisions and their associated complications.

Click here to view images comparing laparoscopy to laparotomy.