Journal of Hepatology and Gastrointestinal disorders
Open Access

Abdominal Adhesions: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Jennifer^{* *}Correspondence: Jennifer, Department of Gastroenterology, Sorbonne University, Paris, France, Email:

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Description

Abdominal adhesions are a common complication that can occur following abdominal surgery. They are bands of scar tissue that form between organs, often the result of an inflammatory response to the surgery. Abdominal adhesions can cause pain, digestive problems, and infertility. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of abdominal adhesions.

Causes of abdominal adhesions

Abdominal adhesions are often the result of abdominal surgery. The body’s natural response to surgery is to form scar tissue, which can cause the abdominal organs to stick together. The more surgeries a person have, the higher the risk of developing abdominal adhesions. Other causes of abdominal adhesions include infections, endometriosis, radiation therapy, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Symptoms of abdominal adhesions

Abdominal adhesions may not cause any symptoms, or they can cause a range of symptoms, depending on their location and severity. Common symptoms of abdominal adhesions include abdominal pain or cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. In some cases, adhesions can cause a bowel obstruction, which can be a medical emergency.

Diagnosis of abdominal adhesions

Diagnosing abdominal adhesions can be challenging, as they cannot be seen on imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Doctors often rely on a patient’s medical history and physical exam to diagnose abdominal adhesions. If adhesions are suspected, a doctor may order a barium swallow, a type of X-ray that can show the flow of contrast material through the digestive system. In some cases, a laparoscopy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves making a small incision in the abdomen and inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light to examine the abdominal organs.

Treatment of abdominal adhesions

There is no cure for abdominal adhesions, but there are several treatments that can help manage the symptoms. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate abdominal pain and cramping. If adhesions are causing a bowel obstruction, hospitalization may be required to relieve the obstruction and prevent further complications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the adhesions.

Prevention of abdominal adhesions

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent abdominal adhesions, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. These include:

Minimizing the number of abdominal surgeries: The more surgeries a person has, the higher the risk of developing abdominal adhesions. Whenever possible, non-surgical treatments should be explored before resorting to surgery.

Using barrier agents during surgery: Barrier agents such as adhesion barriers can be used during surgery to reduce the formation of adhesions.

Keeping the abdomen clean and dry: Keeping the surgical site clean and dry can help reduce the risk of infection, which can increase the risk of developing abdominal adhesions.

Staying active: Staying active and exercising regularly can help prevent adhesions from forming.

Complications of abdominal adhesions: Abdominal adhesions can cause a range of complications, depending on their location and severity. In some cases, adhesions can cause a bowel obstruction, which can be a medical emergency. Adhesions can also cause chronic abdominal pain and digestive problems, such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. In rare cases, adhesions can cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes or causing the ovaries to stick to the pelvic wall.

Conclusion

Abdominal adhesions are a common complication that can occur following abdominal surgery.