[Relaparotomy. Problems of terminology]

The authors discuss the term "relaparotomy" and such its definitions as "early", "delayed", "late", "elective", "targeted", analyze different classifications of relaparotomies, propose their own definition of this term based on objective criteria of general reaction to surgical stress in the form of Seli[symbol: see text] adaptation syndrome which has definite duration (60 days). This fact may be regarded as a clinical criterion of determination of relaparotomy's terms. Surgery may be named as relaparotomy when it is performed in terms of adaptation syndrome (60 days). If surgery is performed after the end of adaptation syndrome it must be regarded as repeated operation.