Treatment Options for Intestinal Adhesions

Non-Surgical Treatment

Non-surgical treatment is often the first line of management, especially for patients with mild symptoms or early-stage adhesions. One common approach is the use of a nasogastric tube to remove fluid buildup in the stomach, which helps reduce pressure on the gastrointestinal tract. Alongside this, patients receive intravenous fluids to correct electrolyte imbalances and rehydrate the body.

In addition to fluid management, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat infections that could arise from compromised intestinal function. Nutritional support is also a crucial component of non-surgical care. This may involve dietary adjustments or even parenteral nutrition in more severe cases where the digestive system needs time to heal.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is considered when symptoms are severe or when non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief. This is especially true in cases of recurrent bowel obstruction, which can be a serious complication of intestinal adhesions.

Mild Adhesion Management

For patients with mild adhesions, a procedure known as adhesion lysis is typically recommended. This involves carefully separating the fibrous tissue that has formed between the intestines and other organs or the abdominal wall, without removing any part of the intestine.

Severe Adhesion Intervention

In more severe cases, where adhesions have caused significant blockage or impaired blood flow to the intestines, surgical resection may be necessary. If a section of the intestine has become necrotic due to reduced blood supply, that portion must be removed to prevent life-threatening complications such as sepsis or perforation.

Following surgery, patients are closely monitored for signs of recovery and possible recurrence. Post-operative care often includes pain management, infection prevention, and gradual reintroduction of oral nutrition to support healing.