Adhesiolysis Surgery Explained: Understanding the Treatment for Intestinal Adhesions

Intestinal adhesions often do not cause noticeable symptoms, or may only lead to mild discomfort such as slight abdominal pain and bloating. In less severe cases, treatment typically involves placing a nasogastric tube to remove gastric fluids, reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and administer anti-inflammatory medications to control infection.

When Is Adhesiolysis Necessary?

Adhesiolysis, or the surgical separation of intestinal adhesions, is generally recommended for patients who do not respond to conservative treatments or who suffer from recurrent episodes of adhesive bowel obstruction. This procedure becomes essential when non-surgical interventions fail to provide lasting relief or when the obstruction becomes severe.

What Happens During Open Abdominal Exploration?

During exploratory laparotomy, if the surgeon determines that the blood supply to the intestines remains intact, they will proceed to carefully separate the fibrous bands or clusters of adhesions causing the blockage. This process effectively restores normal intestinal function and alleviates the obstruction without the need for further invasive measures.

Severe Cases: Intestinal Resection May Be Required

In more critical situations where the bowel has already suffered from compromised blood flow, a portion of the intestine may become necrotic. In such cases, surgical removal of the damaged segment—known as resection—is necessary to prevent life-threatening complications like sepsis or perforation.

Recovery and Outlook After Adhesiolysis

Following successful adhesiolysis, most patients experience significant symptom relief and a return to normal digestive function. However, as with any abdominal surgery, there is a risk of new adhesions forming, which is why post-operative care and monitoring are crucial for long-term recovery.