enterotomy

{{Short description|Surgical incision into an intestine}}

Enterotomy is the surgical incision into an intestine. It may be purposeful or a complication of an abdominal surgery, such as exploratory laparotomies or hernia repair.{{cn|date=January 2022}}

An enterotomy can be done to remove an obstruction or foreign body from the intestine.{{cite book |title=Kirk's General Surgical Operations |date=2013 |publisher=Elsevier |pages=185–204 |edition=6}}

If an accidental enterotomy is not noticed during surgery, it can take days to become apparent. Surgical repair is required.{{cite book |title=Core Topics in General and Emergency Surgery |date=2019 |publisher=Elsevier |pages=295–309 |edition=6}}