What exactly is a laparotomy?

OpenAbdominalSurgery: Traditional "open" abdominal surgery(laparotomy)is performed thru a large incision enabling direct access to the abdominal organs. In contrast, laparoscopy is performed by making small incisions on the abdominal wall to insert a scope and instruments. Nowadays, almost every operation done thru laparotomy in the past can be done via laparoscopy.

Open surgery: Laparotomy is surgery that involves opening the abdominal cavity.