Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
An exploratory laparotomy is a surgery that allows a doctor to look inside your belly. Reasons for the surgery may include checking for injuries, finding out what's causing symptoms, seeing how far a disease like cancer has spread, and more.
After the surgery, you may feel weak and tired. You may be sick to your stomach. It's common to have some pain in your belly and around your cut (incision).
The pain should get better over the next few weeks. You may be able to go back to your usual activities in 2 to 4 weeks. Your bowel movements may not be regular for several weeks after the surgery.
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