laparotomy

noun

lap·​a·​rot·​o·​my ˌla-pə-ˈrä-tə-mē How to pronounce laparotomy (audio)
plural laparotomies
: surgical incision of the abdominal wall

Examples of laparotomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This surgery often means a faster recovery and fewer complications compared to more invasive open surgery, called a laparotomy, which involves one long incision across the abdomen. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2025 The pontiff underwent a laparotomy and abdominal wall surgery due to an incisional hernia. Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025 Risks associated with laparotomy include bleeding, infection, and wound dehiscence. David Hampton, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024 On the day of the procedure, the surgeon performed a midline laparotomy and initially used a large-sized AWR, according to the report. Jon Haworth, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2023 The pope underwent a laparotomy and received abdominal wall plastic surgery on Wednesday. Timothy Nerozzi, Fox News, 10 June 2023 Three patients required laparotomy. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 29 Mar. 2013

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of laparotomy was in 1878

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Laparotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laparotomy. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

laparotomy

noun
lap·​a·​rot·​o·​my ˌlap-ə-ˈrät-ə-mē How to pronounce laparotomy (audio)
plural laparotomies
: surgical section of the abdominal wall
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!