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What Is Abdominal Surgery?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Abdominal surgery can encompass any type of surgical procedure involving one or more of the organs found in the abdominal region of the body. Some of these organs include the kidneys, liver, and appendix. Surgery may become necessary due to a traumatic injury or natural disease. There are three basic types of abdominal surgery. These procedures are known as an appendectomy, laparotomy, and laparoscopy.

An appendectomy is a common type of abdominal surgery involving the removal of the appendix. The usual reason for this type of surgery is inflammation of the appendix, commonly known as appendicitis. Occasionally, an appendectomy may be performed as an addition to another type of abdominal procedure. Recovery tends to be relatively quick after an appendectomy if the procedure is performed before the appendix ruptures. A ruptured appendix may require a longer hospital stay and extra monitoring by the medical team to make sure that complications do not arise after the surgery.

A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used in surgeries to make incisions.
A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used in surgeries to make incisions.

A laparotomy is an exploratory type of abdominal surgery. This procedure is performed in order to give the doctor a better idea of what may be causing a variety of abdominal symptoms. For example, a laparotomy may be performed to find the source of internal bleeding due to some sort of trauma, such as an automobile accident. Depending on the findings from this procedure, additional surgery may be necessary.

Abdominal surgery may be required to remove an appendix.
Abdominal surgery may be required to remove an appendix.

Laparoscopy is another common type of abdominal surgery, often used as a less invasive alternative than open surgery. In this procedure, several small holes are surgically made in the abdominal wall. Tubes are then inserted into these holes. A small camera is inserted into one of these tubes to allow the surgeon to see the contents of the abdominal cavity without having to use a larger incision. Small surgical instruments as well as gases used to assist in the procedure also travel through the tubes that have been placed into the abdomen.

An appendectomy is a type of abdominal surgery.
An appendectomy is a type of abdominal surgery.

A cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal, is often performed using laparoscopic surgery. Various types of abdominal cyst removals may also be performed in this manner. This type of procedure greatly reduces the amount of time a patient must stay in the hospital following surgery, with many being able to return home the same day. Recovery time is also significantly reduced when laparoscopic surgery is chosen over the more invasive open surgery option.

Discussion Comments

Rundocuri

@raynbow- I think that the results of a tummy tuck will last if the patient is willing to do what it takes to stay in shape. While the results usually look great at first, gaining weight later on will definitely ruin them in the long run. Getting plenty of exercise and eating low-fat, high fiber foods is a good way to maintain the results of tummy tuck surgery.

Good results also depend on the healing process. Someone who follows his or her doctor's orders and takes medications as prescribed will have better results than someone who doesn't.

Raynbow

I'm wondering if the results of tummy tuck surgery are lasting, and if they are worth the cost of the procedure. I've seen people who have had this type of abdominal surgery, and their results look good. However, I have also heard that the results can be disappointing over time.

Heavanet

@ocelot60- My sister had laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, and she said it was much easier to recovery from than traditional open abdominal surgery. Not only are the incisions smaller, but there is less pain involved with this procedure.

Ocelot60

A friend of mine has to have her gallbladder removed, and she is nervous about the surgery. Her doctor told her that he will most likely be able to do the procedure laparoscopically, and she is wondering what other peoples' experiences have been when it comes to this type of abdominal surgery.

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    • A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used in surgeries to make incisions.
      By: iofoto
      A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used in surgeries to make incisions.
    • Abdominal surgery may be required to remove an appendix.
      By: dr_ox
      Abdominal surgery may be required to remove an appendix.
    • An appendectomy is a type of abdominal surgery.
      By: derege
      An appendectomy is a type of abdominal surgery.
    • Abdominal surgery can be an invasive surgical procedure.
      By: Alex Tihonov
      Abdominal surgery can be an invasive surgical procedure.
    • An inflammed appendix may necessitate surgery.
      By: Alliance
      An inflammed appendix may necessitate surgery.
    • Internal bleeding caused by trauma, such as an auto accident, may require immediate abdominal surgery.
      By: jamstockfoto
      Internal bleeding caused by trauma, such as an auto accident, may require immediate abdominal surgery.
    • In some cases, abdominal surgery can be done using a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure.
      By: xixinxing
      In some cases, abdominal surgery can be done using a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure.