This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.

How do adhesions affect the abdomen?

Adhesions in the abdomen can tether loops of intestine, the abdominal wall, or reproductive organs to each other. Many people have small adhesions that cause no symptoms, but problematic adhesions may create chronic abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, or infertility depending on where they form. Diagnosis often begins with a clinical history of prior abdominal or pelvic surgery, trauma, or inflammatory conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease or pancreatitis. Imaging like CT scans or X-rays with contrast can suggest obstruction, but direct visualization via diagnostic laparoscopy is sometimes needed to confirm adhesions and assess their extent.

When is surgery considered for adhesions?

Surgery is typically reserved for cases where adhesions cause significant problems: complete or recurrent small bowel obstruction, persistent incapacitating pain that hasn’t responded to conservative care, or infertility directly attributable to adhesions after fertility evaluation. Adhesiolysis—the surgical division of adhesions—can be performed using laparoscopy (minimally invasive) or open laparotomy. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis often offers faster recovery and less postoperative pain but may be technically challenging for dense or multiple adhesions and carries risks including inadvertent bowel injury. Surgeons weigh the potential benefits against recurrence risk and possible complications before recommending operative management.

What medicine or non-surgical treatments help?

Non-surgical management focuses on symptom control and treating complications. Pain management may include acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or short-term opioid use when necessary, always balancing risks and benefits. For partial bowel obstruction, conservative measures include bowel rest, intravenous fluids, electrolyte correction, and close monitoring; nasogastric decompression is used if vomiting or significant bowel distention occurs. Antiemetics and antispasmodics may provide symptomatic relief. In selected patients with chronic pain, multidisciplinary approaches—physical therapy, dietary adjustment, psychological support, and targeted nerve blocks—can be helpful. There is limited evidence that any medication prevents adhesions; prevention mainly involves surgical technique and barriers during initial operations.

What hospital care and tests are typically involved?

When adhesions cause acute symptoms, hospital care focuses on stabilizing the patient and identifying the cause. Initial tests often include blood work (complete blood count, electrolytes), abdominal X-ray or CT to evaluate for obstruction or ischemia, and fluid resuscitation for dehydration. If conservative care is chosen, patients are observed with serial exams and imaging as indicated. For those needing surgery, preoperative preparation includes assessment of comorbidities, informed consent about risks (including bowel injury and recurrence), and planning for laparoscopic versus open approach. Postoperative hospital care emphasizes pain control, prevention of complications (e.g., infection, pulmonary issues), and progressive return to diet and activity. Discharge instructions typically cover wound care, activity limits, and signs of complications that require prompt evaluation.

How should you choose a doctor for adhesions treatment?

Selecting a physician involves matching the specialist’s experience to the problem: general surgeons commonly treat bowel adhesions, gynecologic surgeons manage pelvic adhesions affecting fertility, and colorectal surgeons handle complex lower GI issues. Ask about the surgeon’s experience with adhesiolysis, rates of minimally invasive versus open procedures, and how they mitigate risks such as bowel injury or recurrent adhesions. Discuss the expected outcomes, alternative non-surgical options, and follow-up plans. If surgery is considered, inquire about the hospital’s resources (imaging, intensive care, interventional radiology) and whether the surgical team uses adhesion reduction strategies. Seeking a second opinion is reasonable when major surgery is proposed or when uncertainty about diagnosis or treatment persists. You can search for local services or specialists in your area and verify credentials and patient reviews where available.

Conclusion

Abdominal adhesions are a common postoperative and inflammatory consequence that range from asymptomatic to clinically significant conditions requiring hospitalization or surgery. Treatment choices depend on symptoms, risk of complications, and patient goals—ranging from conservative management and symptom control to adhesiolysis when obstruction or severe symptoms occur. Decisions are individualized and often benefit from multidisciplinary input and clear discussions about risks, recovery, and the possibility of recurrence. Medical teams in hospitals will guide diagnostics, acute care, and follow-up to tailor treatment to each person’s situation.