Adhesiolysis is surgical division of intra-abdominal adhesion bands. It is required only in selected patients with bowel obstruction.
When is it considered?
Possible indications include peritonitis, suspected bowel ischemia/strangulation, failure of non-operative treatment or selected recurrent obstructions.
Preoperative planning
CT findings, previous operations, the level of obstruction and signs of compromised bowel perfusion are evaluated.
General principle of the operation
Adhesion bands are carefully divided from bowel and surrounding tissues. Laparoscopy may be possible in selected patients, while extensive adhesions or complicated obstruction may require open surgery.
General postoperative course
Recovery monitoring focuses on return of bowel function, advancement of diet and signs of recurrent obstruction or complications.
Possible risks and complications
Potential risks include bowel injury, bleeding, infection and formation of new adhesions.
Selected academic work
These publications demonstrate academic work related to the topic; they are not the sole source of current treatment standards.
- PUB-2008-01 — 2008 — Selective laparoscopic adhesiolysis in the management of acute and chronic recurrent adhesive bowel obstruction. — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18306064/
- PUB-2002-01 — 2002 — Enteroclysis-guided laparoscopic adhesiolysis in recurrent adhesive small bowel obstructions. — https://doi.org/10.1097/00129689-200206000-00005