A midline incision is made, usually extending around the umbilicus. The abdomen is entered and explored. As previously stated, in the majority of cases, small bowel disease associated with pelvic disorders is located within 3 feet of the ileocecal bowel. This fact is of significant value to the pelvic surgeon in that it allows the surgeon to trace the small bowel back from the cecum rather than trace the bowel down from the ligament of Treitz.