Emergency laparotomy (obstruction, perforation, peritonitis)

Emergency laparotomy is an opening of the abdomen performed quickly to treat a serious cause of abdominal pain: bowel obstruction, perforation of an organ (perforated ulcer, perforated diverticulitis), peritonitis (infection of the membrane lining the abdomen), internal bleeding or trauma. When possible and safe, the same operation is performed laparoscopically. The surgeon explores the whole abdomen, finds the cause and treats it: stitching a perforated ulcer, removing a damaged segment of bowel, relieving an obstruction, controlling bleeding. The abdominal cavity is then washed out thoroughly. Depending on the state of the bowel and the infection, the digestive tract is rejoined at the same time or a temporary stoma is created, to be closed later. This surgery is required when there are signs of severity: intense pain, a rigid abdomen, fever, vomiting, inability to pass wind, feeling faint. Diagnosis is based on examination, blood tests and a CT scan. The speed of treatment directly affects recovery. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, the emergency department is open around the clock, CT scanning is available on site and the operating theatres work day and night. The general intensive care unit takes over when the patient's condition requires it.