Laparotomy Packs

A laparotomy pack is a sterile, pre-packaged set of surgical supplies used for an abdominal surgery that involves an incision through the abdominal wall. It contains items like drapes, gowns, towels, and a suture bag, designed to create a sterile field and provide necessary tools for a laparotomy procedure.  

Components of a typical laparotomy pack:

Drapes: Includes a large laparotomy "T" drape with a fenestration (opening) and adhesive, as well as utility drapes to cover and protect the patient and surgical team.

Covers: Contains a back table cover for organizing instruments and a reinforced Mayo stand cover for the instruments used during the procedure.

Towels: Includes absorbent hand towels for the surgical team to use.

Accessories: Often includes a suture bag to hold and organize sutures, and sometimes cord-holding tabs for managing cables and tubes.

Gowns: Surgical gowns for the medical team are also commonly included. 

Purpose of a laparotomy pack:

Sterility: The primary purpose is to maintain a sterile environment for the surgery, preventing infection. 

Efficiency: Pre-packaged kits save time by providing all necessary items in one place, streamlining the preparation for a laparotomy procedure. 

Safety: The components, like the instrument pad on the drape, are designed to enhance patient safety during the procedure. 

To use a laparotomy pack, first verify sterility, then open the pack using the "away, side, side, toward" method, and finally, use the drapes to create a sterile field around the surgical site, securing them with adhesive strips and tabs. Ensure all components of the pack are used according to the specific procedure's needs, such as using the drapes for coverage and the absorbent reinforcements to manage fluids.  

1. Preparation and opening the pack

Verify sterility: Before opening, check that the pack is intact, not expired, and that the sterilization indicator tape has changed color, notes Veterinary Surgery Online. 

Position the pack: Place the pack on a clean, dry surface and position it so the top flap is facing you, say bescomedical.com

Open the first flap: Grasp the top fold and extend it away from you, ensuring your hands only touch the outside of the wrapping, according to bescomedical.com and besco Surgery Online. 

Open side flaps: Grasp each side flap and pull it to the side, maintaining distance from the sterile contents and without touching them. 

Open the final flap: Pull the last flap toward you, completing the "away, side, side, toward" sequence. 

2. Using the drapes and other components

Orient the drapes: Position the drapes according to the surgical plan. The "top sheet" is often placed adjacent to the operative area. 

Create a sterile field: Drape the patient, covering areas like the chest and neck, and ensure all drapes are securely in place to prevent contamination. 

Secure the drapes: Use the built-in adhesive strips on the drapes to secure them in place around the surgical site. 

Utilize additional features: Use Velcro tabs for cord management, if available, and the large absorbent reinforcements to help manage fluids. 

Maintain sterility: The surgeon or another sterile assistant can then use the contents of the pack, maintaining strict aseptic technique, to create the sterile field.