The abdominal cavity comprises the female reproductive organs, kidneys and adrenal glands, liver, pancreas, spleen, and digestive system. We need these organs to survive and stay healthy. But sometimes, the cavity is affected by abdominal adhesions, groups of scar tissue that develop between abdominal organs, primarily the small intestine. These adhesions can twist, pull, or compress the organs in the abdomen, including the intestine, and lead to severe health conditions.

Causes

Abdominal adhesions usually occur after abdominal surgery. Studies conclude that abdominal adhesions occur in nine out of ten people who have had abdominal surgery. The human body is susceptible to adhesions when inflammations happen on the surface of the abdominal organs. The condition is normal and may occur during the healing process of inflammation, too. That said, here are a few instances that may lead to abdominal adhesions during surgery:

• Potential foreign objects that get left inside the abdomen during surgery, like a piece of gauze.
• Unusual bleeding into the peritoneal cavity.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease or other gynecological conditions.
• The way the abdominal organs are handled during surgery.

Other causes of the condition may occur when the peritoneal lining or organs are cut before surgery, due to abdominal radiation treatment, or when there’s inflammation in the peritoneal lining of the abdomen.

Symptoms

Abdominal adhesions generally do not cause many symptoms. But when people develop symptoms, chronic abdominal pain is considered the most common of all. Abdominal adhesions may cause intestinal obstruction and turn life-threatening if not diagnosed by a doctor immediately. Few symptoms of intestinal obstruction are:

• Pain in the abdominal region
• Bloating
• Nausea and vomiting
• The inability to pass gas
• Constipation or pain while trying to make a bowel movement
• Cramping in the abdominal region after a meal
• Infertility
• Urinary bladder function
• Pain while walking, lying down, or sitting in certain positions
• Emotional disorders like hopelessness, depression, and or thoughts of suicide may also be symptoms of abdominal adhesions.

If one has such thoughts or knows of someone who does, do not hesitate to call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It is available 24 hours a day throughout the week.

Diagnoses

There is no method of diagnosis to pinpoint the source of abdominal adhesions accurately. But specific methods are known to help understand the condition. They are:

Reading medical history

Reading one’s medical history can significantly help medical professionals diagnose the condition. The doctor may ask about symptoms, history of any existing or past diseases, disorders, and any history of abdominal surgery.

Blood tests

Blood samples don’t necessarily help diagnose abdominal adhesions. Instead, they enable doctors to rule out other health problems that may cause similar symptoms. Blood tests also help identify if one has abdominal adhesions and the severity.

Imaging tests

These tests help identify any obstructions caused by abdominal adhesions and rule out other problems that may cause such symptoms. These tests may include computerized tomography, x-rays, or lower GI series tests.

Surgery

Doctors recommend surgery to look inside the abdomen for adhesions or other complications that may cause the symptoms.

Treatments

If abdominal adhesions do not lead to complications or symptoms, they do not require treatment. However, if they cause symptoms, it is best to get them checked and treated by a doctor. There are both surgical and non-surgical treatment options.

Surgical methods

These adhesions are generally treated with open or laparoscopic surgery, known as adhesiolysis. The adhesions are cut by a scalpel or with electric currents. Both open and laparoscopic surgery may put you at risk of developing adhesions. So we recommend speaking with a doctor about the risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing to such surgeries.

Furthermore, taking a few steps during surgery will help reduce and prevent the risk of abdominal adhesions or other complications. They are:

• Opt for laparoscopic surgery over open surgery. That’s because about 70% of open surgeries may lead to new adhesions in the abdomen.
• Take additional steps to prevent foreign remnants inside the abdomen. A doctor can ensure this by using lint-free tools and powder-free gloves.
• Seprafilm, a waxed paper-like film placed in the abdomen over the intestines, can be used after surgery. The film helps keep tissues away from each other through the healing process. The film subsequently dissolves after the tissues are healed.

Non-surgical methods

Other than surgery, doctors may also recommend non-surgical methods to treat abdominal adhesions. Some of these methods include:

• Regular exercise
• Physical therapy
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Medications for acute and chronic pain
• Changes in your lifestyle