Author: Alisha Miller, BSc (Hons), RVN

ABSTRACT Exploratory laparotomy is a common emergency surgical procedure performed to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal foreign bodies in animals. These patients are often clinically compromised, making meticulous perioperative nursing essential for reducing complications and supporting successful surgical outcomes. This article reviews the veterinary nurse’s role throughout the surgical management of exploratory laparotomy, from patient preparation and maintenance of asepsis to intraoperative support and adherence to surgical safety protocols. Key aspects of patient preparation include appropriate clipping techniques, effective surgical skin preparation and strategies to minimise surgical site infections. The article also outlines the responsibilities of both circulating and scrub nurses, including theatre preparation, patient positioning, instrument management, swab and sharps counts, blood loss calculation and maintenance of a sterile surgical field. Common instruments and equipment used during gastrointestinal surgery, including bowel clamps, retractors, electrocautery and stapling devices, are discussed, alongside the principles of tissue handling and contamination prevention. Emphasis is placed on effective teamwork and communication between the veterinary surgeon and veterinary nurse to improve surgical efficiency and patient safety. By developing these practical skills and maintaining evidence-based surgical nursing standards, veterinary nurses play a vital role in optimising patient recovery, minimising postoperative complications and enhancing the overall success of exploratory laparotomy procedures.
Keywords surgery, nursing, exploratory-laparotomy, foreign body

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56496/CHOV1804

To cite this article: Miller, A. (2026) Surgical nursing of exploratory laparotomies for gastrointestinal foreign bodies. VNJ 41(5) pp 50-58

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