Our approach
The presence of adhesions alone is not an indication for surgery.
We carefully assess the clinical picture and examination results and rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. If adhesions lead to repeated episodes of bowel obstruction or significantly impair quality of life, surgical treatment is considered. Whenever possible, we give preference to laparoscopic adhesiolysis.
What are postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions?
Postoperative adhesions are scar-like connective tissue that forms between loops of the bowel, the omentum, or other organs after abdominal surgery.
This is a natural part of tissue healing, but in some cases adhesions can disrupt the normal movement of the bowel or cause it to be mechanically compressed.
Why do postoperative adhesions develop?
Adhesions can form after any abdominal operation.
The risk is higher after:
- open operations
- emergency surgery
- surgery for peritonitis
- bowel resections
- repeat operations
- intra-abdominal bleeding
- severe inflammation
Laparoscopic operations can also be followed by adhesions, but the risk is usually lower.
Symptoms
In most patients, adhesions cause no symptoms.
Clinically significant adhesive disease may cause:
- recurrent abdominal pain
- bloating
- constipation
- nausea
- vomiting
- episodes of bowel obstruction
- reduced tolerance of food
When to see a doctor
A consultation is recommended if:
- you have recurrent abdominal pain after previous surgery
- you have had episodes of bowel obstruction
- symptoms are gradually getting worse
- the cause of chronic abdominal pain needs to be determined
- repeat abdominal surgery is planned
How is the diagnosis made?
The following are used to establish the diagnosis:
- consultation with a surgeon
- review of previous operations
- laboratory tests
- abdominal computed tomography
- ultrasound examination
- magnetic resonance imaging when indicated
- diagnostic laparoscopy in complex cases
Keep in mind that most adhesions are not visible on CT or MRI. The diagnosis is often based on symptoms, medical history, and exclusion of other causes.
How are postoperative adhesions treated?
The treatment strategy is determined individually.
Options may include:
- monitoring
- medication
- treatment of bowel obstruction
- laparoscopic adhesiolysis
- open adhesiolysis in complex clinical cases
Surgical treatment
Surgery is performed only when there are clear indications.
At MSI we perform:
- laparoscopic adhesiolysis
- open adhesiolysis
- treatment of adhesive bowel obstruction
- bowel resection in case of irreversible damage
- reconstructive surgery after previous emergency operations
During surgery, the gentlest possible tissue-handling techniques and modern methods to prevent new adhesions are used.
Recovery after treatment
After laparoscopic procedures, patients regain physical activity and return to their normal lifestyle more quickly.
At MSI, ERAS protocols are used to shorten the hospital stay, reduce postoperative pain, and speed up rehabilitation.
Why choose MSI
- Extensive experience in repeat abdominal surgery
- Specialization in complex laparoscopic operations
- Individual assessment of the indications for adhesiolysis
- Modern methods to prevent new adhesions
- Enhanced recovery protocols (ERAS)
- Comprehensive patient support before and after surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
Adhesions can form after almost any abdominal operation. However, only a small proportion of patients develop symptoms or need treatment.
In most cases, no. Imaging helps detect indirect signs of adhesive disease or its complications, but the adhesions themselves often remain invisible.
No. Surgery is performed only when adhesions cause bowel obstruction, severe pain, or other confirmed complications.
Yes. Adhesions can re-form even after they have been divided. That is why the decision to operate is made only when there are clear indications, and techniques aimed at minimizing this risk are used during surgery.
For most patients, a well-chosen treatment strategy eliminates or significantly reduces the manifestations of adhesive disease. When adhesive bowel obstruction develops, timely surgery prevents serious complications and restores normal bowel function.