laparotomy

 
Pronunciation: /ˌlapəˈrɒtəmi/

noun (plural laparotomies)

  • a surgical incision into the abdominal cavity, for diagnosis or in preparation for major surgery: a further laparotomy was performed [mass noun]: patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy

Origin:

mid 19th century: from Greek lapara 'flank' + -tomy