What Are the Symptoms of Intestinal Adhesions?

Intestinal adhesions are a common clinical condition seen in general surgery. They refer to abnormal connections that form between segments of the intestine, often resulting in abdominal pain or discomfort. These adhesions typically develop when the intestinal mucosa is damaged, and during the healing process, scar tissue forms between the intestinal walls. This abnormal tissue connection can interfere with normal bowel movement and peristalsis, and in severe cases, may lead to bowel obstruction.

Common Symptoms and Effects

When intestinal adhesions progress to bowel obstruction, patients may experience symptoms such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, and a complete cessation of bowel movements and gas passage. In such situations, surgical intervention might be necessary to relieve the blockage and restore normal digestive function. However, surgery is not always the first-line treatment, especially if the obstruction is partial or manageable through conservative methods.

Causes Beyond Surgery

While abdominal surgery is a well-known cause of intestinal adhesions, they can also result from inflammatory conditions. For instance, localized inflammation and exudation from gallbladder disease can damage the intestinal mucosa and lead to adhesion formation. The symptoms caused by inflammation-induced adhesions are often similar to those resulting from surgical trauma.

When Is Surgery Considered?

If a patient is still passing gas and having bowel movements, doctors usually avoid recommending a second surgery. Reoperative procedures, such as adhesion lysis, carry the risk of further damaging the serosal layer of the intestine, which can result in the formation of new or even more severe adhesions. Therefore, the decision to perform surgery must be made carefully, weighing the potential benefits against the risks of creating additional complications.