What Is Abdominal Adhesion? Risks, Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention of Intestinal Obstruction

"Abdominal adhesion" is a silent threat that often develops after surgery or inflammation in the abdomen. It can lead to chronic abdominal pain or severe complications such as intestinal obstruction and infertility. Learn about treatment methods and prevention approaches using modern medical techniques.

Chronic abdominal pain or frequent bloating might not just be caused by gastritis; it could be due to "abdominal adhesion," which is bands of tissue binding organs together. Though often initially mild, if left untreated, complications like intestinal obstruction can become dangerous.

Understanding "Abdominal Adhesion": What is it?

Abdominal adhesion is bands of tissue that form inside the abdomen, causing organs to stick together. This affects the movement of those organs, especially the intestines.

Main causes of abdominal adhesion

Abdominal adhesions typically occur after abdominal surgery, infections causing inflammation such as appendicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease, or conditions like endometriosis.

Symptoms and complications to watch for

Usually, adhesions may show no symptoms or only cause chronic abdominal pain. But when adhesions begin to pull on other organs, serious conditions can develop, including:

• Intestinal obstruction: Adhesions constrict the intestines, leading to bloating, inability to pass gas or stool, and inability to eat.
• Infertility: Adhesions tightening around the fallopian tubes can cause blockage.

Treatment approaches for abdominal adhesion

Treatment generally starts with managing symptoms, guided by these principles:

• Avoid surgery: Repeated surgery is avoided if possible, as it may cause new adhesions to form.
• Consider surgery only in emergencies: Such as when adhesions cause intestinal obstruction or severely affect the fallopian tubes.

Four ways to prevent adhesions after surgery

While adhesions from infection are hard to prevent, surgical patients and doctors can work together to reduce risks by:

1. Laparoscopic surgery: Minimally invasive surgery causes fewer adhesions than open abdominal surgery.
2. Surgical precision: Surgeons minimize tissue injury and ensure complete hemostasis before closing wounds.
3. Use of anti-adhesion agents: Gels or sheets are applied to surgical sites to prevent organs from sticking together.
4. Early movement after surgery: Physical activity stimulates intestinal movement, reducing adhesion formation.

Although "abdominal adhesion" may seem minor initially, complications like intestinal obstruction can be dangerous and require expert medical care. Therefore, if abnormal symptoms arise after surgery or unexplained chronic abdominal pain occurs, seek medical advice immediately.

Source: Assistant Professor Dr. Woradech Hongsakorn, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University.