exploratory surgery


ex·plor·a·to·ry sur·gery

(eks-plor'ă-tōr-ē sur'jĕr-ē) Surgical investigation to diagnose cause of a disorder or condition.

exploratory surgery

Surgery performed for diagnosis, e.g. an exploratory laparotomy. Exploratory surgeries may become surgeries in which definitive treatment is rendered when a previously undiagnosed lesion is identified and rectified. See also: surgery