Abdominal Surgery
Abdominal surgery covers everything from a planned operation on the stomach or intestine to an emergency laparotomy at three in the morning. What the two have in common is that the decision to open the abdomen is a serious one, and it is made on imaging and examination rather than on symptoms alone.
- Emergency theatre available at any hour
- Laparoscopic approach where the case allows
- CT and ultrasound on site
- Intensive care in the same building
Stay
2 to 7 days
Duration
1 to 3 hours
Anaesthesia
General
About Abdominal Surgery
Most planned abdominal surgery is now laparoscopic, which shortens the stay substantially. Emergency surgery is a different matter: obstruction, perforation and severe infection often need an open operation, and sometimes the first operation only stabilises while a second completes the repair. That staged approach is deliberate and is usually safer than attempting everything at once.
- Planned surgery is laparoscopic wherever possible
- Emergency surgery is more often open, for good reason
- Staged operations are a safety decision, not a complication
- Recovery is measured by bowel function returning, not by the wound
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about abdominal surgery. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest abdominal surgery.
- Intestinal obstruction
- Perforation of the stomach or bowel
- Severe abdominal infection or abscess
- Tumours of the digestive organs
- Adhesions causing repeated obstruction
- Abdominal injury after trauma
- Conditions not resolving with medical treatment
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Assessment and imaging
Examination, blood tests and usually a CT scan establish what is wrong and whether an operation is needed now or can be planned.
Preparation
Fluids, antibiotics and correction of any electrolyte disturbance before theatre. In an emergency this happens quickly and in parallel.
The operation
Laparoscopic where the case allows, open where it does not. The diseased segment is dealt with and the abdomen closed.
Recovery on the ward
Fluids first, then diet as bowel function returns. Walking begins early because it speeds recovery and reduces clot risk.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- For planned surgery, fasting from midnight as instructed
- Blood tests, imaging and an anaesthetic review are done beforehand
- Tell the team about blood thinners, diabetes medication and previous abdominal operations
- Stop smoking as far in advance as possible, as it affects wound healing
- Arrange help at home for the first two weeks
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Expect two to seven days in hospital depending on the operation
- Eating restarts with fluids and advances as bowel function returns
- Walking begins the day after surgery and is encouraged
- Avoid heavy lifting for about six weeks so the abdominal wall heals
- Report fever, increasing pain, wound discharge or failure to pass wind
Why choose Humayun for abdominal surgery
Emergency abdominal surgery is decided in hours, and everything needed has to already be in the building.
- CT and ultrasound with immediate access, so the decision rests on imaging rather than impression
- Emergency theatres available at any hour
- Intensive care on site for the operations that need it afterwards
- Endoscopy in the same department, so some problems are settled without an operation at all
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