How Long Can a Person Live with Intestinal Adhesions?

Intestinal adhesions are typically benign and do not significantly impact life expectancy. In fact, many individuals who have undergone abdominal surgery develop some degree of intestinal adhesion. As long as the adhesions do not obstruct the normal passage of intestinal contents, patients may remain asymptomatic and experience no noticeable effects.

When Adhesions Cause Symptoms

However, in certain situations, such as overeating or inflammatory conditions that cause intestinal wall swelling, the bowel may become distended. This can cause the adhered tissues to pull on adjacent segments of the intestine, creating abnormal angles that hinder the movement of food and waste. When this occurs, patients may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and a complete stoppage of bowel movements and gas—common signs of adhesive bowel obstruction.

Treatment for Adhesive Bowel Obstruction

In most cases, adhesive bowel obstruction can be effectively managed with conservative treatments. These typically include bowel rest, intravenous fluids, anti-inflammatory medications, and gastric decompression using a nasogastric tube. With timely and appropriate care, many patients recover without the need for surgical intervention.

Rare but Serious Complications

In rare cases, adhesions can lead to a more severe condition known as strangulated bowel obstruction. This occurs when the blood supply to a segment of the intestine is cut off, potentially leading to tissue death. If treated early, most patients respond well to surgery and recover successfully.

However, if diagnosis and treatment are delayed, intestinal necrosis can occur, allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream and trigger sepsis—a life-threatening systemic infection. In such cases, despite medical intervention, there is an increased risk of mortality.

Conclusion

In summary, while intestinal adhesions are common and often harmless, they can cause serious complications under certain conditions. Prompt recognition and treatment are key to preventing severe outcomes and ensuring a positive prognosis. Patients with a history of abdominal surgery should remain vigilant for symptoms of obstruction and seek medical attention when necessary.