The educated patient knows what to expect prior to surgery. However, when you're sick, you're certainly more vulnerable and less likely to ask "in depth" questions about your surgery, especially if it is your first surgery. Most surgeons want you to be informed and will explain, in detail, their surgical procedure. However, there are others who may see no need to explain a thing. It's important to learn medical terminology long before you are being rolled into the operating room.
What's the difference in laparotomy compared to laparoscopy? Do you know? If not, you need to know, as surgery is trauma to the body, which results in adhesion formation (scar tissue) as the body heals itself. It is best to avoid a laparotomy, if at all possible.
Laparotomy: A surgical incision into the abdominal cavity through the loin or flank.
Laparoscopy: An operation in which a laparoscope is used, as in an examination of the liver or the surgical treatment of endometriosis. Sometimes called keyhole surgery.
Laparoscopy is the least invasive type of surgery, and the most desirable (if at all possible) should you have to undergo abdominal or pelvic surgery.