laparotomy

[zoeh]

does anyone know what type of incision is made in a laparotomy? is it vertical or horizonal? and how long of an incision is it? I will be having one at the end of the month, and I'm just curious.
I have a 16 x 13 cm cyst and all I want is for it to be benign, so I'm not really worried about the surgery. I just would like to know what will take place. ( I've never had any type of surgery before, and have only been in the hospital for the birth of my 2 children....whom I had vaginally).

Thanks,
Wendy

[zoeh]

my surgery is on may 27th, if everything goes as planned.
my cyst is big, so I may have to do the vertical one. I am hoping not. I just want it to be over with and me be healthy.

thanks to all who replied.

Wendy

[WolfeHall]

I am having a vertical incision.  My doctor said he will start with 1" and if necessary go up from there depending on what he finds.  I also have a herniated belly buttom so if he gets up that far he will fix it but hoping he does not get up that far!  I think the reason for the vertical is like ireneo said.  I have had 3 c-sections and a horizontal hysterectomy so I probably have a lot of scar tissue to deal with going into the surgery already.

But I am hoping it will be easier to recover from vertically than horizontally, especially since I have been working out so hard for my trip to Hawaii June 5th.

[fungirl1011]

Hi,
Your incision can be done either way.  I have had both types of incisions.  Horizontal is easer to recover from (in my opinion).  I would ask your doctor what his plan of action is. Also, I was in the hospital a little longer with the vertical incision.  What date is your surgery on?  Please keep us posted.  

Hugs,
Kasie

[silver&gold]

Hi ,
I have heard the same thing that it can be done either way , I had a horizontal cut myself.
They tend to do horizontal for overweight women in the UK.
Angie

[ireneo]

I heard that it can be done either way. When I had my surgery (laparoscopy) my doctor said she planned a horizontal incision if she couldn't remove things laparoscopically. But many people with multiple problems (endo, adhesions, large cysts) that need extensive work done in there seem to end up with the vertical incision. It will be up to your surgeon. You can ask what they plan.