Endoscopic Surgery for Intestinal Adhesions: Essential Post-Operative Care Tips

After undergoing endoscopic surgery for intestinal adhesions, patients should actively monitor their recovery and take preventive measures against potential complications. Common post-surgical issues include intestinal fistulas, recurrent adhesions, and internal bleeding. For patients who did not undergo bowel resection during the procedure, the risks of fistula formation and hemorrhaging are relatively low. However, if such complications do arise, they can be more challenging to treat and may require traditional open abdominal surgery to achieve hemostasis, repair damaged tissue, or create a stoma if necessary.

Managing Bowel Obstruction Post-Surgery

For individuals who had bowel obstruction before the operation, it is recommended to keep a gastric tube in place post-surgery to relieve pressure on the gastrointestinal tract. This helps prevent bloating and supports the recovery of normal bowel function. Patients should only begin consuming fluids once intestinal activity has resumed, typically indicated by passing gas or having a bowel movement.

Diet and Recovery

Introducing food too soon after surgery can increase the risk of acute bowel obstruction recurrence. It is crucial to follow a gradual reintroduction of food as advised by the medical team, starting with clear liquids and slowly progressing to solid foods.

Physical Activity and Its Benefits

Engaging in early ambulation—walking near the bedside or around the room—can significantly enhance gastrointestinal motility and speed up the return of normal digestive function. In addition to aiding digestion, light physical activity helps reduce the likelihood of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs and lowers the risk of post-operative pulmonary infections.