Adhesions, particularly abdominal and pelvic adhesions, refers to scar tissue that forms between bowel loops (small and large intestines) and the inner lining of the organs within the abdominal cavity. The scar tissue can cause organs and other tissues in your body to stick together. They are the common cause of abdominal pain and bowel blockages.
Adhesions in the pelvis and abdomen occurs due to inflammation of the inner lining of abdominal organs. Scar tissue is formed as a normal part of the healing process when there is an inflammation. The causes vary greatly, but most commonly it is attributed to organ inflammation before surgeries in which organs or their inner linings are cut.
In most cases, foreign objects left behind after a surgery is completed, gynecological conditions, or bleeding into the inner lining are responsible for the development of scar tissue.
Symptoms of Adhesions
The typical symptoms of adhesions are as follows:
• Pain in the abdominal and pelvic region
• Partial or full loss of organ function
• Tissue death
• Reduced fertility
• Bowel blockages
• Pain during intercourse
Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis: What is it?
Adhesiolysis is the common treatment option available for treating adhesions. The surgery is performed to divide or remove adhesions to restore normal functionality to the organs. The surgery helps in alleviating severe abdominal pain caused by adhesions. It clears bowel blockages without causing any damage to the abdominal and pelvic structures.
Laparoscopic adhesiolysis is better than open adhesiolysis because it offers the following benefits:
• Less pain post-surgery
• Reduced chances of ventral hernia
• Reduced recovery period
• Restoration of proper bowel functions
• Less time-consuming
Who Can Get Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis Done?
Laparoscopic adhesiolysis is recommended for the following patients:
• Patients with partial or complete bowel blockage unresolved with non-surgical treatments, but do not show signs of bowel perforation or peritonitis
• Patients with cured bowel obstruction, but have a history of chronic, recurrent small-bowel blockage.
Results
Comparison between laparoscopic adhesiolysis and open adhesiolysis shows that laparoscopic adhesiolysis is linked to a decreased rate of complications. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis also decreases the occurrence, extent, and acuteness of intra-abdominal adhesions, thus making it better than open adhesiolysis. The surgery potentially decreases the rate of continuing adhesive small-bowel blockage.
Moreover, laparoscopic adhesiolysis allows better visualization and augmentation of abdominal and pelvic adhesions and organs during surgery. The carbon dioxide gas used for abdominal inflation provides a natural division of the abdominal organs and structures. Surgeons can thus see and define the adhesions better for safe removal.
Moreover, the microsurgical principles engaged in laparoscopic adhesiolysis proves highly effective in preventing the formation of adhesions post surgery.
One of the best things about the procedure is its quickness. Patients who undergo the procedure will be discharged quickly. They can expect to resume their normal routines within a few weeks. The surgery is even more beneficial for women who counter adhesions as a result of surgeries. The surgery is non-invasive and less painful as compared to open laparoscopic adhesiolysis.
Contact Our Office
For all your questions regarding abdominal and pelvic adhesions, contact our office. Doctors John R. Miklos and Robert D Moore, will address your concerns and develop a plan to help you find relief.