What is involved in a "laparotomy" procedure?

A laparotomy involves making a surgical incision into the abdomen. This procedure is typically performed to allow access to the abdominal cavity for either diagnostic purposes or to carry out surgical interventions on various internal organs. It is frequently used in cases of trauma, exploratory surgery when the cause of an issue is unknown, or to perform surgeries on organs within the abdomen, such as the intestines, liver, or reproductive organs.

The other options describe different medical procedures that are not related to laparotomy. Endoscopic examination involves using a flexible tube with a camera to visualize the inside of the abdomen without making large incisions. Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive technique that uses sound waves to create images of the abdominal organs; this does not involve any surgical incisions. Removal of the spleen, while a possible outcome of a laparotomy, is not what defines the procedure itself. Thus, a laparotomy is specifically characterized by the surgical incision it entails.