Abdominal Adhesions

Abdominal adhesions refer to scar tissue that forms between abdominal tissues or organs. It causes tissues and organs in your abdomen to stick together. This scar tissue is most commonly caused by surgery to the abdomen. Most people don’t require treatment.

OVERVIEW

What are abdominal adhesions, and how can they be treated?

Abdominal adhesions refer to scar tissue bands that form between abdominal organs. Adhesions can form after abdominal surgery. They can make your tissues stick together when they should just be moving freely.

What is the abdominal cavity?

The abdomen cavity is the body’s interior from the chest to your hips. It houses the following:

  • Your digestive system includes your stomach, intestines and colon.
  • Reproductive organs of females
  • The adrenal glands and kidneys.
  • Liver
  • Pancreas.
  • Spleen.

SYMPTOMS & CAUSES

What causes abdominal adhesions

After abdominal surgery, especially between the small bowel loops, adhesives can occur. Contact of internal tissues with foreign materials, such as gauze, surgical gloves, and stitches.

What are the signs?

Most adhesions don’t cause any symptoms. Sometimes abdominal adhesions can cause twisting of the intestines, much like a garden hose. This can happen shortly after or years after surgery. It can cause complete or partial intestinal obstruction (also known as small bowel obstruction).

Food, liquid, air, and waste can’t pass through an obstruction. These signs may include:

  • Extreme abdominal pain.
  • Bloating.
  • Nausea and vomiting.

DIAGNOSIS AND TEST

How can abdominal adhesions be diagnosed?

Abdominal adhesions cannot be detected using imaging technology such as CT scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays. These studies can, however, detect intestinal blockages due to adhesions.

MANAGEMENT & TREATMENT

What treatment is required for abdominal adhesions

Most adhesions don’t cause any symptoms and don’t require any treatment.

More adhesions will result from additional surgeries. If there are persistent symptoms, your healthcare provider will likely recommend that you avoid surgery.

Surgery may be required to remove scar tissue. This is for either chronic or acute obstructions.

PREVENTION

Is it possible to prevent abdominal adhesions from happening?

Abdominal adhesions are something that a surgeon can’t avoid. Because of the smaller incisions, adhesions are less common during laparoscopic surgery. During laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon will insert a small camera and other instruments through tiny incisions.

Open surgery can lead to more adhesions because of the larger incisions. These adhesions are not usually a problem.

OUTLOOK/PROGNOSIS

What are the prospects for those with abdominal adhesions?

One person could have severe abdominal adhesions without ever experiencing any symptoms. Your surgeon may recommend an operation if your bowels become blocked suddenly or repeatedly after surgery.

LIVING WITH

When is it appropriate to seek medical attention?

Complete obstruction can be life-threatening. You should seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these symptoms.

  • Extreme abdominal pains and cramps.
  • Bloating or significant abdominal swelling (belly).
  • Nausea or vomiting.

Note from the Cleveland Clinic

After any abdominal cavity operation, abdominal adhesions can be very common. Most patients have no problems. If you experience bowel obstruction signs after surgery or even years later, please inform your healthcare provider.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *