Postoperative Intestinal Adhesion Symptoms: Effective Management Strategies

Intestinal adhesion following abdominal surgery can lead to discomfort and complications if not properly managed. One of the most important steps in managing post-surgical adhesions is to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. It's recommended to eat small, frequent meals and focus on foods rich in protein and vitamins. Easily digestible meals are preferred, while raw, cold, greasy, spicy, pickled, smoked, or hard-to-digest foods should be avoided. If there are no noticeable symptoms after surgery, close monitoring without aggressive treatment may be sufficient.

Recognizing and Managing Adhesive Bowel Obstruction

When symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting appear, they may indicate adhesive bowel obstruction. In such cases, it's crucial to follow standard protocols for bowel obstruction management. This includes fasting, gastric decompression, and the use of targeted antibiotic therapy. A common approach involves combining medications effective against Gram-negative bacilli and anaerobic bacteria, such as Cefoperazone Sulbactam with Ornidazole. Abdominal heat therapy can also provide relief, while intravenous fluids help restore hydration and correct electrolyte and acid-base imbalances. Long-term patients may require parenteral nutrition to support recovery.

Additional Treatment Options and When Surgery Is Necessary

In some cases, rectal treatments such as the use of glycerin suppositories or single-use enema devices can help stimulate bowel movement and gas release. These methods are often effective for short-term relief. However, for patients experiencing recurrent adhesion-related pain or those who do not respond to conservative treatment, more aggressive intervention may be needed. If intestinal adhesions lead to gangrenous bowel obstruction or severe complications, emergency surgical intervention should be considered to prevent life-threatening conditions.