Laparotomy Surgery in Grand Rapids, MI

A laparotomy is a surgical incision (cut) into the abdominal cavity. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, this procedure is commonly performed at major hospitals such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health to examine the abdominal organs and diagnose the cause of serious abdominal problems, including unexplained abdominal pain.

In many cases, once the cause of the problem is identified during a laparotomy, it can be treated in the same operation. In other situations, a second surgery may be needed.

What Is a Laparotomy (Abdominal Exploration)?

A laparotomy is sometimes called an “abdominal exploration” because your surgeon makes a single incision to see the organs inside your abdomen clearly.

Your abdominal cavity contains:

  • Digestive organs: stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small and large intestines
  • Organs of excretion: kidneys, ureters, bladder
  • Reproductive organs (in some cases)

A surgeon in Grand Rapids may recommend a laparotomy to:

  • Investigate severe or ongoing abdominal pain
  • Find the cause of internal bleeding in the digestive tract
  • Locate a perforation (tear or burst) in the bowel
  • Evaluate suspected tumors, infections, or blockages
  • Assess injuries after trauma (for example, from a car accident on I-196 or US-131)

Because some abdominal conditions are life-threatening, a laparotomy is often done urgently or as an emergency.

Pre-Operative Evaluation in Grand Rapids

Before your operation, your Grand Rapids surgeon and care team will:

  • Review your medical and surgical history
  • Ask about medications, supplements, and allergies
  • Discuss smoking, vaping, alcohol, or recreational drug use, which can affect anesthesia and healing
  • Explain:
    • Why a laparotomy is needed
    • Possible findings and treatments during surgery
    • The chance that a second operation may be required
  • Describe what to expect before and after surgery
  • Ask you to sign a consent form
  • Order tests, which may include:
    • Blood tests
    • X-rays
    • CT scan or ultrasound (often done at local imaging centers or hospital radiology departments)

You may also meet with an anaesthesiologist at a Grand Rapids hospital who will evaluate your heart, lungs, and overall health to ensure you are fit for general anesthesia.

Preparing for Laparotomy

In the hours or day before surgery, you can generally expect:

  • Fasting (nil by mouth): No food or drink for several hours before surgery as instructed
  • Skin preparation:
    • The abdominal area may be shaved
    • You may be given a special antiseptic scrub to use in the shower
  • Bowel preparation:
    • You may receive an enema or other bowel prep to empty your bowels, depending on the planned procedure
  • Hospital gown: You will change into a surgical gown
  • Medication review:
    • Some medications (like blood thinners) may be adjusted before surgery
    • Tell your team about all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products

Residents of Grand Rapids should plan for winter weather and transportation, especially if surgery is scheduled during icy or snowy conditions common in West Michigan. Arrange a reliable ride to and from the hospital.

How a Laparotomy Is Performed

A laparotomy is done under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep and feel no pain during the procedure.

During the operation:

  1. The surgeon makes a single incision through the skin and abdominal muscles.
  2. The abdominal organs are carefully examined to identify:
    • Bleeding
    • Tears or perforations
    • Blockages
    • Infections or abscesses
    • Tumors or abnormal growths
  3. When possible, the surgeon treats the problem immediately, for example:
    • Repairing a perforated bowel
    • Removing a diseased section of intestine
    • Controlling internal bleeding
  4. If the condition is complex, unstable, or requires additional planning, a second operation may be scheduled.
  5. Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon closes:
    • The muscle layers of the abdominal wall
    • The overlying skin, usually with sutures or staples

Immediately After Laparotomy

After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area or post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), and then to a hospital room. In Grand Rapids hospitals, post-operative care typically includes:

  • Close monitoring of:
    • Temperature
    • Pulse
    • Breathing
    • Blood pressure
    • Surgical wound
  • Drain(s): A small tube may be placed near the incision to drain fluid or blood.
  • Nasogastric (NG) tube:
    • A thin tube may be passed through your nose into your stomach
    • This helps remove stomach contents and rests your digestive tract for a day or two
  • Urinary catheter:
    • A tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine
    • Helps monitor fluid balance after major surgery
  • Intravenous (IV) fluids:
    • Given through a vein for hydration and medications
    • You may not be allowed to eat or drink for a period after surgery
  • Pain control:
    • Regular pain medication as ordered by your doctor
    • May be given by IV, injection, or pills as you recover

Early Movement and Breathing Exercises

To reduce complications, your Grand Rapids care team will encourage early activity:

  • Deep breathing and coughing exercises:
    • Help prevent pneumonia and other chest infections, especially important during Michigan’s cold and flu season
  • Leg exercises:
    • Promote circulation and help prevent blood clots in the legs
  • Getting out of bed:
    • If all is going well, you’ll usually be helped out of bed the day after surgery
    • Early walking is important to:
      • Reduce the risk of blood clots
      • Lower the risk of chest infections
      • Promote bowel function

Wound Care and Hospital Discharge

While you are in the hospital:

  • Your incision will receive daily wound care and observation.
  • You’ll be taught how to:
    • Keep the wound clean and dry
    • Recognize signs of infection
  • Before discharge, your team will:
    • Review medications you need at home (such as pain relievers, antibiotics, or blood thinners)
    • Provide written instructions for wound care, activity level, and diet
    • Schedule or advise on follow-up appointments with your surgeon or primary care provider in Grand Rapids

Possible Complications of Laparotomy

As with any major surgery, a laparotomy has potential risks. Possible complications include:

  • Infection:
    • At the incision site or inside the abdomen
    • Signs include redness, warmth, swelling, worsening pain, fever, or drainage
  • Haemorrhage (bleeding):
    • During or after surgery
    • May require blood transfusion or further treatment
  • Damage to internal organs:
    • Unintentional injury to nearby organs, blood vessels, or structures
  • Formation of internal scar tissue (adhesions):
    • Bands of scar tissue that can cause:
      • Bowel blockages
      • Ongoing or recurrent abdominal pain
  • Blood clots:
    • Especially in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism)
  • Breathing problems or pneumonia:
    • More common if you don’t move or do breathing exercises after surgery

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and experience any concerning symptoms after a laparotomy, contact your surgeon, primary care provider, or seek urgent care at a local emergency department.

Taking Care of Yourself at Home in Grand Rapids

After discharge from a Grand Rapids hospital, recovery from a laparotomy usually takes around six weeks, but this can vary depending on the underlying condition and any additional procedures performed.

General home-care suggestions (always follow your surgeon’s specific advice):

Rest and Activity

  • Rest as much as possible for the first two weeks.
  • Arrange for family, friends, or community support to help with:
    • Household chores
    • Childcare
    • Grocery shopping (especially helpful during winter when roads may be icy)
  • Avoid heavy lifting, pulling, or pushing:
    • No lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk (or as directed) until your surgeon says it is safe
  • Gradually increase walking as tolerated:
    • Short, frequent walks around your home or neighborhood in Grand Rapids
    • Use indoor spaces (like malls or community centers) during harsh weather

Diet

  • You may need a modified diet after surgery:
    • Start with clear liquids and light foods, then advance as tolerated
    • Your doctor may recommend a low-fiber or high-fiber diet depending on your specific condition
  • Drink plenty of fluids unless you’ve been told to restrict them (especially important in heated indoor environments during Michigan winters, which can be dehydrating).

Always follow all dietary suggestions provided by your surgeon or dietitian.

Medications and Exercises

  • Take your medications exactly as prescribed:
    • Pain medication
    • Antibiotics
    • Blood thinners or other chronic medications
  • Continue any breathing and leg exercises you were shown in the hospital.
  • Do not stop or change medications without discussing with your doctor.

Watch for Signs of Infection or Complications

Contact your Grand Rapids doctor or surgeon immediately, or seek emergency care, if you notice:

  • Wound becoming red, hot, swollen, or very tender
  • Pus or foul-smelling discharge from the incision
  • Fever or chills
  • Increasing abdominal pain or bloating
  • Nausea, vomiting, or inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement
  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden leg swelling

These symptoms could indicate infection, bowel blockage, blood clots, or other serious complications.

Long-Term Outlook After Laparotomy

Most people in Grand Rapids recover well from a laparotomy, especially with:

  • Careful follow-up with their surgeon
  • Good wound care
  • Gradual return to activity
  • Healthy lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking, improving diet, and staying active)

Always attend your final check-up and any scheduled follow-up visits. Your surgeon will:

  • Review your healing
  • Discuss biopsy or test results
  • Adjust activity and diet recommendations
  • Plan any additional treatment if needed

Laparotomy vs. Laparoscopy (“Keyhole Surgery”)

An alternative to laparotomy is laparoscopy, often called “keyhole surgery.” Many Grand Rapids hospitals and surgical centers offer advanced laparoscopic procedures.

What Is Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy uses:

  • A slender tube called a laparoscope inserted through a small incision
  • A fiber-optic camera and sometimes small surgical instruments
  • One or more tiny incisions instead of one large cut

Benefits of laparoscopy can include:

  • Smaller scars
  • Less pain
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Reduced recovery time

However, laparoscopy is not appropriate in all cases, especially when:

  • There is severe infection or bleeding
  • The anatomy is unclear
  • Extensive surgery is required

In these situations, a laparotomy may be safer and more effective.

Local Resources for Patients in Grand Rapids, MI

If you need more information about laparotomy or post-surgical care in Grand Rapids, consider:

  • Corewell Health – Spectrum Health surgical departments
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids general surgery and emergency departments
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health surgery services
  • Mercy Health hospitals and clinics
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for general health resources, vaccination, and chronic disease support

You can also speak with your:

  • Primary care doctor
  • General surgeon
  • Gastroenterologist (digestive health specialist)

They can help you understand whether a laparotomy or laparoscopy is appropriate for your condition and guide you through preparation and recovery.

Key Points to Remember

  • A laparotomy is a surgical incision into the abdominal cavity to examine and treat abdominal problems.
  • Your surgeon may need to operate to find the exact cause of your symptoms, especially with severe or unexplained abdominal pain.
  • Early walking and breathing exercises after surgery are vital to reduce the risk of blood clots and chest infections.
  • Possible complications include infection, bleeding, damage to internal organs, and adhesions that may cause bowel blockages or ongoing abdominal pain.
  • Always follow your surgeon’s instructions, take medications as prescribed, and seek medical attention promptly if you notice signs of infection or other concerning symptoms.
  • An alternative to laparotomy is laparoscopy (“keyhole surgery”), which uses small incisions and often allows a faster recovery, but it is not suitable for every patient or condition.