July 25, 2024 Author: Pedro Rodrigues Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that may form after and abdominal and/or pelvic surgery: It is estimated that out of every 10 people who underwent an open abdominal surgery, 9 develop adhesions; Manipulation of organs and tissues during surgery can lead to the formation of adhesions; When there are tissue injuries, the formation of adhesions is part of the normal healing process. Although almost all adhesions are a consequence of surgery, especially if it is open and/or emergency surgery, adhesions can also form when there is abdominal inflammation and infection for another reason , for example: Endometriosis; Inflammatory bowel disease; Intestinal diverticula; Peritonitis; Peritoneal dialysis. Adhesions most often form between: The bowel loops; Two or more organs; Between the organs and the wall of the abdominal or pelvic cavities. The presence of adhesions causes organs and tissues to stay closer together/with less mobility. In most people, abdominal adhesions do not cause any symptoms and are never identified. More rarely, adhesions can twist, pull and compress organs, causing complications. Therefore, in some cases, adhesions are identified when: Some complication occurs; Another abdominal or pelvic surgery is performed for some reason. Complications of adhesions The most feared and serious complication of abdominal adhesion is intestinal obstruction , which can occur many years after surgery. An intestinal obstruction means that there is a partial or complete interruption of the passage of solids and liquids in the affected portion of the intestine. It can have serious consequences, such as necrosis of the affected area of the intestine, peritonitis or even be fatal. Therefore, an intestinal obstruction is a medical emergency that requires rapid intervention. Symptoms that may be related to an intestinal obstruction and that should lead to seeking medical attention include: Severe abdominal pain with no other explanation; Abdominal distension; Nausea and vomiting; Unable to pass gas or feces. Other possible complications of the presence of adhesions: Chronic abdominal and/or pelvic pain; Infertility. Since adhesions are a consequence of abdominal surgery and inflammation and rarely cause symptoms or complications, they are only treated if this happens. Minimally invasive abdominal surgery, or laparoscopy, significantly reduces the formation of adhesions compared to open surgery , because access to abdominal cavity is made through much smaller incisions and tissue manipulation is much less. Whenever surgery can be performed laparoscopically, this is one of the most important ways to prevent abdominal adhesions. Meet the General Surgery clinical team of the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
