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Adhesiolysis Surgery: Treatment and Diagnosis

Adhesiolysis surgery is performed to remove or separate internal tissue adhesions that form after abdominal or pelvic surgeries. These adhesions can cause pain, infertility, or bowel obstruction. Consult our experienced surgeons or book an appointment with Pristyn Care for expert diagnosis and safe, effective treatment.

Adhesiolysis surgery is performed to remove or separate internal tissue adhesions that form ... Read More

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What is Adhesiolysis Surgery?

Adhesiolysis surgery (also called lysis of adhesions) is a procedure that removes scar tissue, forming abnormal connections between organs or internal surfaces. These adhesions typically develop after previous surgeries, infections, or inflammatory conditions.

During adhesiolysis, the surgeon carefully separates or cuts through these tissue bands to free organs and relieve symptoms. The intention behind the procedure is to restore normal movement of the affected organs, such as the intestines, uterus, or ovaries, and to prevent complications like bowel obstruction or chronic pelvic pain.

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What Causes Surgical Adhesions?

The origin of surgical adhesions is often complex, with factors such as:

  • Surgery: Abdominal or pelvic operations, whether traditional or minimally invasive, are the primary cause. Tissue injury and inflammation during procedures trigger scar formation, binding organs together.
  • Infection: Conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease or appendicitis incite inflammation and adhesions as the body seeks to heal, creating bands of scar tissue.
  • Inflammatory Diseases: Diseases such as adhesiolysis, endometriosis, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis induce chronic inflammation, which makes adhesion formation more likely.
  • Trauma: Physical traumas resulting from accidents or falls can cause internal bleeding and inflammation, eventually forming adhesions as the body recovers.
  • Radiation Therapy: Cancer treatment via radiation can inflame tissues and frequently causes adhesions near the treatment area.
  • Foreign Materials: Occasionally, leftover surgical materials like gauze or sutures can cause local inflammation, resulting in adhesions—even with modern, safe surgical protocols.

When is Adhesiolysis Surgery Needed?

Physicians are advised to conduct adhesiolysis surgery if scar tissue starts interfering with the normal workings of the body or leads to recurring discomfort. Some of the common reasons are:

  1. Chronic pelvic or abdominal pain:

Adhesions may limit the normal movement of organs, resulting in recurring lower abdominal or pelvic pain. Pain is often exacerbated by movement or position changes.

  1. Infertility:

Scar tissue surrounding the uterus or fallopian tubes may hinder the movement of the egg or the implantation area and thus be a reason for infertility. Through adhesiolysis, these structures can be released and thus fertility restored.

  1. Bowel obstruction:

Intestinal loops sticking together cause food and gas not to pass through easily, leading to pain, bloating, and vomiting. Surgery may be necessary for the release of the obstruction.

  1. Post-endometriosis adhesions:

Following endometriosis surgery, new adhesions may form and reattach pelvic organs, repeating the original pain or causing complications.

Types of Adhesiolysis Procedures

Various techniques are employed for the lysis of adhesions based on the location, severity, and etiology.

1. Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis

Laparoscopic adhesiolysis is a minimally invasive procedure that involves small cuts and a camera (laparoscope) to visualise and gently break up adhesions. It offers faster recovery, minimal scarring, and less postoperative pain than open surgery. This approach is particularly effective for pelvic or uterine adhesions that affect fertility.

  • Best suited for mild to moderate adhesions in the pelvis or uterus.
  • Commonly used in adhesiolysis for endometriosis and uterine cases to preserve fertility.

2. Open Adhesiolysis (Laparotomy)

Open adhesiolysis is performed when adhesions are extensive, dense, or involve multiple organs, such as the bowel. The larger incision gives the surgeon better access and visibility, enabling safe dissection of complex tissue networks. Recovery is longer but ensures thorough removal of problematic adhesions.

  • Ideal for severe or recurrent cases, especially after multiple abdominal surgeries.
  • Often performed for bowel obstruction or widespread intra-abdominal adhesions.

3. Hysteroscopic Adhesiolysis

Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis is a targeted procedure for treating intrauterine adhesions, commonly known as Asherman’s syndrome. A hysteroscope, a slender tube with a camera, is inserted through the vagina and cervix to visualise and cut the adhesions using fine instruments or electrocautery. This helps restore the uterus’s normal shape and improve fertility outcomes.

  • Specifically treats intrauterine adhesions that affect menstruation or conception.
  • Effective for restoring menstrual flow and enhancing fertility in Asherman’s syndrome.

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How Doctors Diagnose the Need for Adhesiolysis Surgery

Identifying adhesions is challenging since they don’t always appear on standard imaging. Diagnosis often relies on symptoms and patient history.

  • Ultrasound or MRI may show indirect signs of adhesions or restricted organ movement.
  • Hysterosalpingography (HSG) checks for blocked fallopian tubes or uterine cavity abnormalities in women with infertility.
  • Laparoscopy may be used as a diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. Once adhesions are diagnosed, adhesiolysis can be performed in the same sitting.

Step-by-Step Adhesiolysis Procedure

The step-by-step procedure for adhesiolysis involves the following steps:

1. Anesthesia and Preparation:

The process starts with the patient under general anesthesia to maximise comfort and immobility. A catheter can be placed to keep the bladder drained and prevent injury during surgery. 

2. Accessing the Surgical Site:

The surgeon performs a laparoscopic or open procedure based on the surgical approach. In laparoscopic adhesiolysis, several small incisions are made to insert a camera and fine instruments, providing a clear internal view with minimal trauma. 

3. Identifying Adhesions:

Once within the abdominal cavity, the surgeon meticulously examines the organs and tissues to find adhesions fibrous strings that result in abnormal organ or abdominal wall attachments. 

4. Cutting or Separating Adhesions:

The surgeon uses fine surgical instruments, scissors, or electrocautery to cut or peel apart the adhesions gently. Precision is critical to prevent bleeding or damage to delicate organs such as the intestines, uterus, or bladder. 

5. Preventing Recurrence:

Once the adhesions are dissolved, the surgeon can place anti-adhesion barriers, gels, or absorbable films over the involved tissues. The products create a temporary physical barrier that reduces friction and keeps new scar tissue from developing as the healing process takes place.

 

6. Closure and Recovery:

Patients who undergo laparoscopy usually get discharged on the same day, while those having open surgery will require a longer stay in the hospital for observation and pain relief.

Recovery After Adhesiolysis

Adhesiolysis recovery time can differ based on surgery type and the severity of adhesions. Most patients experience abdominal discomfort for about 2 weeks, with a return to regular daily activities expected in 2–4 weeks. Full normalisation of bowel movements may take several weeks to months, particularly after abdominal surgery.

Tips to Support Adhesiolysis Recovery

  • Get ample rest to let your body heal fully.
  • Avoid intense or strenuous physical activities for the initial weeks.
  • Discuss specific dietary adjustments with your doctor to ease digestion and prevent constipation.
  • Practice thorough but gentle wound care, washing the incision daily with mild soapy water.
  • Contact your healthcare provider if you notice symptoms of infection, such as fever, increasing redness, swelling, or pus at the surgical site.

Adhesiolysis Surgery Cost in India

City Average Cost (INR)
Bangalore Rs. 72,000
Chennai Rs. 68,400
Delhi Rs. 75,600
Gurgaon Rs. 72,000
Hyderabad Rs. 72,000
Mumbai Rs. 79,200
Pune Rs. 72,000

FAQ

How soon can I resume work after adhesiolysis surgery?

Return to work after adhesiolysis surgery varies with procedure extent and job demands. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis patients in less physical jobs may resume work within two weeks, while open surgery recovery might take longer.

What pain medications are used after adhesiolysis surgery?

Pain management following adhesiolysis surgery often includes NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and nerve blocks. The adhesiolysis procedure’s invasiveness influences medication type; communication with doctors ensures adequate pain control.

When can exercise be restarted after adhesiolysis surgery?

Gentle walking is encouraged soon after adhesiolysis surgery to aid recovery. However, strenuous exercise should generally be avoided for several weeks to allow proper healing of surgical adhesions and tissues.

How long does an adhesiolysis procedure typically take?

The duration of an adhesiolysis procedure depends on the number and complexity of surgical adhesions. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis surgery for limited adhesions may take under an hour, while extensive adhesions require longer operative times.

Will adhesiolysis surgery leave scars?

Laparoscopic adhesiolysis surgery results in small scars from instrument incisions, while open adhesiolysis leaves a larger scar. While some scarring is inevitable with surgical adhesion treatment, proper wound care minimises its appearance.

What are the risks of adhesiolysis surgery?

Risks of adhesiolysis surgery include infection, bleeding, injury to organs, and bowel obstruction. Recurrence of surgical adhesions is also possible, requiring careful surgical technique and post-operative care to reduce complications.

Can surgical adhesions come back after adhesiolysis surgery?

Yes, lysis of adhesions removes scar tissue, but adhesions can reform due to the natural healing process. Recurrence risk depends on adhesion severity, surgical approach, and individual patient factors.

What is adhesiolysis uterus?

Uterine adhesiolysis is the surgery that removes intrauterine adhesions (scar tissue). The scar tissue is formed inside the uterus and often causes the person to have menstrual irregularities or infertility.

Can uterine adhesions recur after surgery?

There is a risk of recurrence, especially in severe cases. Follow-up visits and additional treatments like hormone therapy or repeat hysteroscopy help reduce this risk.

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