laparotomy

The medical records include a notation from a second surgeon that “the loop end of a laparotomy pad” had been found during a subsequent operation.

Pope Francis had a laparotomy, a surgery that involves opening up the abdomen, and doctors also inserted some prosthetic mesh to strengthen his colon.

Pope Francis is undergoing a laparotomy, a surgery that involves opening up the abdomen to expose internal organs, and doctors planned to insert a prosthesis while he was under general anesthesia.

"In the early afternoon he will undergo a laparotomy and abdominal wall surgery... under general anaesthesia," said Mr Bruni.

The pope was undergoing what the Vatican said was a “laparotomy and abdominal wall plastic surgery with prosthesis” to treat a “recurrent, painful and worsening” constriction of the intestine.