EXPLORATORY LAPAROTOMY PROCEDURE WITH EGD

[Jean1116]

I'm scheduled to have an exploratory laparotomy procedure to try and figure out why I am having so much abdominal pain, bloating, tenderness to the upper adbominal, and inablity to have a bowel movement without the use of MOM.  All of my tests came back negative for any obstruction (CT Scan, upper and lower GI exams, Colonoscopy, and Lower Bowel Follow-thru).  Have any one had this procedure and what was it like and what are the risks?  The doctor believes that adhesions may be the source of my pain since I have had five surgeries to my abdominal area.


This discussion is related to Abdominal Pain in the Front and Back Upper Left Area.

[Jean1116]

With my  laparotomy the Dr. is talking about opening me up and viewing the entire colon, intestine because he believes that due to my six operations to my abdominal area over the years that the scar tissues may now be causing me problems.  Have your Dr. mention this to you?

[Jean1116]

I have been having problems with my bowel movements, as I am only able to go after taking 3capful of milk of magnesium. The doctor thinks maybe it's a buildup of scar tissue that is causing the pain.

[Pinky7460]

Sorry to hear about your chronic pain and bowel problems.  Are your pains always in the same place?  I too have similar issues with pain and tenderness in abdominal area.  No problem BMs though. My pain is always in the right upper quadrant. Gone through all the tests and only shows some narrowing in the area of the aortic root near my duodenum.  My gastro dr. is sending me to surgeon for laparotomy too.  I have had several of these procedures many years ago when I had endometriosis.  The procedure isn't that bad.  Afterward you may experience some gas pain in the shoulder area because the gas gets trapped up there and it takes time for it to dissipate.  Warm fluids and moving around will help get rid of it faster  You may also have a little pain where they poke the holes through the skin and muscle.  The little discomfort will be well worth it if they can find the reason you are having such problems.  I pray all goes well with you.