General Information
DEFINITION--Separation of adhesions, fibrous bands of tissue that cause parts of
the abdomen and pelvis to cling together abnormally.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Abdominal or pelvic organs.
REASONS FOR SURGERY--
SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH
- Adults over 60.
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
- Excess alcohol consumption.
- Poor nutrition.
- Any chronic illness.
- Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep
inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
- Use of mind-altering drugs.
What To Expect
WHO OPERATES--General surgeon.
WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays.
- After surgery: Blood studies.
ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube
placed in the windpipe.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
- An incision is made in the abdomen over the obstruction.
- The obstruction is isolated and the adhesions are divided carefully.
- The bowel is examined for strangulation (lost blood supply). Any strangulated portion is
removed, and the normal ends are joined.
- The abdominal contents are then inspected for undetected disease. Other surgeries may be
performed at this time.
- The abdominal contents are replaced. Muscle layers are closed with sutures, and skin is
closed with sutures or clips, which can usually be removed in 1 week.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Excessive bleeding.
- Surgical-wound infection.
- Incisional hernia.
- Inadvertent bowel injury.
- Recurrence of adhesions.
AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--5 to 7 days.
PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 6
weeks for recovery from surgery.
Postoperative Care
† Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of
deep--vein blood clots.
† You may use non--
prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, to relieve minor pain.
- Your doctor may prescribe: Pain relievers. Don't take prescription pain medication
longer than 4 to 7 days. Use only as much as you need. Stool softeners to prevent
constipation. Antibiotics to fight infection.
† To help recovery and aid your well--
being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.
- Resume driving 5 weeks after returning home. > Resume sexual relations when your
doctor determines healing in complete.
DIET--Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract begins to function again.
Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.
Call Your Doctor If
† Pain, swelling, redness, bleeding or drainage increases in the surgical area.
- You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill
feeling and fever.
- You experience new symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation or abdominal
swelling.
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