Adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that can form between organs or tissues, are primarily removed through a surgical procedure known as lysis of adhesions or adhesiolysis. This intervention aims to separate the abnormal connections, restoring normal organ function and alleviating symptoms.
Understanding Lysis of Adhesions (Adhesiolysis)
Lysis of adhesions (also referred to as adhesiolysis) is a medical procedure specifically designed to surgically cut or remove scar tissue that has formed abnormally, often after previous surgery, inflammation, or injury. These adhesions can cause various issues, including chronic pain, bowel obstruction, or infertility, by restricting organ movement and function.
The Laparoscopic Approach to Adhesion Removal
The preferred and most common method for performing lysis of adhesions is through a minimally invasive technique called laparoscopy.
What is Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis?
Lysis of adhesions is usually performed laparoscopically, which is a minimally invasive approach. This technique involves using small incisions, typically less than half an inch, through which specialized instruments and a tiny camera (laparoscope) are inserted into the abdomen.
During the procedure:
- The surgeon can view the abdominal cavity and the adhesions on a monitor.
- Using precise instruments, the surgeon can then carefully cut and separate the adhesions. This frees the organs or tissues that have become abnormally tethered, allowing them to move and function as intended.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis
Laparoscopic surgery offers several advantages over traditional open surgery for adhesion removal:
- Minimally Invasive: Involves smaller incisions, leading to less trauma to surrounding tissues.
- Reduced Pain: Patients generally experience less post-operative pain.
- Faster Recovery: Shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to normal activities are common.
- Smaller Scars: The incisions are small and result in less noticeable scarring.
- Improved Visualization: The high-definition camera provides a magnified view of the adhesions, enhancing surgical precision.
Key Steps in a Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis Procedure
- Anesthesia: The patient is given general anesthesia to ensure they are asleep and pain-free during the surgery.
- Incisions: The surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdomen, usually near the navel and in the lower abdomen.
- Abdominal Inflation: Carbon dioxide gas is gently introduced into the abdomen to create space and provide a clearer view for the surgeon.
- Laparoscope Insertion: The laparoscope (a thin tube with a light and camera) is inserted through one of the incisions to transmit images to a monitor.
- Instrument Insertion: Other small surgical instruments are inserted through the remaining incisions.
- Adhesion Lysis: The surgeon uses these instruments to carefully identify, cut, and remove the adhesions.
- Closure: Once the adhesions are successfully separated, the instruments are removed, the gas is released, and the small incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape.
The decision to proceed with adhesion removal is typically made when adhesions are causing significant symptoms, such as chronic pain, digestive issues, or complications with fertility. The goal of the procedure is to alleviate these symptoms and restore the healthy movement of internal organs.
