Laparotomy
/ˌlæpəˈrɑːtəmi/
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Technical Term
Used in medical contexts, not in everyday conversations. 
The surgeon explained that a laparotomy would be necessary to diagnose the issue.
Pro Tip 2/3Major Surgery
Implies a serious operation, not a minor or non-invasive procedure. 
After the car accident, he required an emergency laparotomy.
Pro Tip 3/3Exploratory Context
Often precedes with 'exploratory' when the doctor is searching for a diagnosis. 
An exploratory laparotomy was performed to find the cause of her pain.