[Explorative laparotomy]

In the 10 year surgical material of the authors the incidence of explorative laparotomy was 9.3%. In the 850 exposures the findings of 263 patients were negative. Of the 263 cases, 207 are analyzed in detail, including the history, laboratory results and findings during operation. At follow-up, in 41% of the patient the pain had ceased, while in 30% it improved. A mortality of 0.51% could be ascribed directly to the exploration. It is concluded that explorative laparotomy is an indispensable and useful procedure.