laparotomy

lap·a·rot·o·my  (lp-rt-m)

n. pl. lap·a·rot·o·mies

Surgical incision into the abdominal wall, especially into the flank.

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[Greek lapar, flank; see laparoscope + -tomy.]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

laparotomy - surgical incision into the abdominal wall; often done to examine abdominal organs surgical incision, incision, section - the cutting of or into body tissues or organs (especially by a surgeon as part of an operation) laparoscopy - laparotomy performed with a laparoscope that makes a small incision to examine the abdominal cavity (especially the ovaries and Fallopian tubes)