Abdominal Adhesions And Blockages

Abdominal adhesions develop after surgery that involves inevitable handling of organs. These adhesions form as a result of the healing process during the first five days after surgery. Almost everyone develops adhesions, but the risk becomes significant after lower abdominal and pelvic surgeries. These adhesions become larger and tighter, developing problems for the patients years after surgery.

These adhesions form as a result of the natural healing process. It can result in several organs getting adhered to each other causing traction or pulling of nerves. It can also trap nerve endings.

How do they cause obstructions or blockages?

 

The post-surgery adhesion can result in small bowel obstruction. These adhesions pull, kink, or twist intestines out of their place and affect the natural flow of digestive wastes. A small bowel obstruction can occur 20 years after surgery. Complete obstruction can be life-threatening.

Signs and symptoms of adhesions

In most cases, these adhesions go unnoticed. The most common symptom, however, is a pain in the abdomen or pelvis. This pain is quite similar to the one resulting from diverticulitis or appendicitis. Other signs may include the following.

 

  • Abdominal pain or cramps
  • Abdominal distension
  • Loud sounds in the bowel
  • Vomiting
  • Inability to pass gas
  • Constipation

Diagnosis of abdominal adhesions and obstruction

 

Adhesions cannot be detected through imaging tests. It means that X-ray tests, CT scans, or ultrasound tests may not yield a conclusive piece of evidence. These adhesions are generally found during exploratory surgeries. An intestinal obstruction, however, can be seen through imaging and radiographic tests.

Treatment

 

There is no need for the treatment of adhesions that do not cause any problem. If the treatment becomes crucial, the only way for it is surgery. Remember, surgery to remove adhesions can result in further adhesions, so it usually a desperate measure. A complete obstruction due to adhesions requires immediate medical attention. Surgeons usually consider surgery as the only option to treat this issue. A partial obstruction can be relieved through a liquid or low residue diet.

Is there a way to prevent adhesions?

 

Abdominal adhesions are not easy to prevent. The best way to prevent it is to make sure that your surgeon is qualified enough to use the right method to prevent the likelihood of the formation of adhesions in the future. Laparoscopic surgery is one of the ways to prevent adhesions. This surgery involves small incisions in the belly to pass cameras and other tools to carry out operations. This technique inflates the abdomen with gas, giving enough room for the surgeon to perform surgery. Another technique to reduce the risk of adhesions is to use gloves that are free of starch and latex.

Avoiding blockages

 

The best way to prevent blockages after surgery is to eat a healthy and balanced diet. You may need to discuss your diet with your doctor. If you want to include a food item in your diet, you may want to discuss it with your doctor first. He will also tell you how to add foods to your diet without causing any problem for your GI tract.