enterotomy
Pronunciation: EN-ter-AH-toe-mee
Surgical incision into the small bowel, either intentional for access or inadvertent during operation.
Full Definition
An enterotomy is a surgical opening made in the small intestine, which may be either planned or accidental. In acute care surgery, inadvertent enterotomies commonly occur during adhesiolysis or exploration of the abdomen, particularly in patients with prior abdominal surgery or inflammatory conditions. When recognized intraoperatively, small enterotomies can often be repaired primarily with sutures. Multiple enterotomies or those in compromised bowel may require resection and anastomosis. Documentation should clearly specify whether the enterotomy was intentional (for decompression or foreign body removal) or iatrogenic, and describe the repair method used.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from enterostomy (permanent opening) and specify if inadvertent vs. intentional.
In Context
- "A small enterotomy was created during adhesiolysis and repaired primarily with 3-0 silk sutures." — Operative report
- "Multiple enterotomies necessitated a 20-cm small bowel resection." — Surgical procedure note