Exploratory laparotomy is a surgical procedure used to examine the abdominal cavity for abnormalities or diagnoses of certain conditions. There are several synonyms that can be used to describe exploratory laparotomy, including exploratory surgery, diagnostic laparotomy, and abdominal exploration. The term exploratory surgery implies the surgical exploration of the abdominal cavity without a definitive diagnosis, while the term diagnostic laparotomy refers to a surgical examination of the abdomen with the aim of establishing a diagnosis. Abdominal exploration is a broader term that encompasses all types of surgical procedures used to examine the abdominal cavity, including exploratory laparotomy. Overall, these synonyms are useful in communicating the type of surgical procedure that a patient is undergoing.