"Exploratory surgery" refers to a medical procedure where doctors perform surgery on a patient to investigate or explore the cause of a health problem. It helps them identify the issue and decide on the best treatment. Full definition
My vehicle will be at the dealership for a week for the next round of exploratory surgery on the engine. (carsdesk.com)
What they found during an abdominal exploratory surgery was an eight inch segment of intestine twisted upon itself and deprived of its blood supply, but unrelated to the previous surgery. (amcny.org)
I had to leave him at the vet for exploratory surgery, to see if they could save him. (pethelpful.com)