Adhesions are the scar tissue which forms in the abdominal cavity and pelvis between the loops of the bowel, the bowel and the walls of the pelvis, the pelvic organs and the content of the abdomen. They may range from few areas of fine scar to the very dense obliterated abdominal and pelvic cavity. Adhesions form as a result infections, trauma or previous surgeries. Patients with intra-abdominal and pelvic adhesions generally experience sharp pain which may be more severe with physical activity, rapid movement, especially turning from side to side at night.
There is a disagreement among providers if adhesions cause pain and if removing adhesions relieves pain. In my practice however most of my patient’s significantly benefit from removal of scar tissue. If surgery can be accomplished using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy or robotic assisted laparoscopy the return of adhesions is less likely. Surgical removal of adhesions (adhesiolysis) is not only a compilated and lengthy procedure, but also carries risks which will be discussed with each patient individually.
It is of utmost importance that removal of adhesions (adhesiolysis) is performed by surgeon who is very knowledgeable in pelvic and abdominal anatomy, knowledgeable in bowel, urinary and reproductive surgery as well as in minimally invasive techniques.
If you or someone you know has pelvic or abdominal pain caused by adhesions call our office at 480-599-9682 or email [email protected] to learn more about available treatments.