laparotomy

noun

lap·​a·​rot·​o·​my ˌla-pə-ˈrä-tə-mē How to pronounce laparotomy (audio)
plural laparotomies
: surgical incision of the abdominal wall

Examples of laparotomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Unlike the minimally invasive laparoscopy procedure, a laparotomy often requires a stay in the hospital. David Hampton, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024 Risks associated with laparotomy include bleeding, infection, and wound dehiscence. David Hampton, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024 On the day of the procedure, the surgeon performed a midline laparotomy and initially used a large-sized AWR, according to the report. Jon Haworth, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2023 The pope underwent a laparotomy and received abdominal wall plastic surgery on Wednesday. Timothy Nerozzi, Fox News, 10 June 2023 Three patients required laparotomy. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 29 Mar. 2013 The authors present the case of a 14-year-old adolescent girl who had an apparent explosive event during a laparotomy for removal of a large gastric trichobezoar. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2012 An emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed which revealed a 4-cm perforation in the sigmoid colon. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 17 Sep. 2012 The solidified matter required laparotomy for its removal. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 3 Oct. 2012

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of laparotomy was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near laparotomy

Cite this Entry

“Laparotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laparotomy. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

laparotomy

noun
lap·​a·​rot·​o·​my ˌlap-ə-ˈrät-ə-mē How to pronounce laparotomy (audio)
plural laparotomies
: surgical section of the abdominal wall
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