Adhesions and Future Treatments

Adhesions can prolong and complicate future surgeries by making it difficult for surgeons to identify, reach and separate internal tissues that are bound together by adhesions. When surgeons have to cut through adhesions – a procedure called adhesiolysis – there is a greater risk of accidental injury to organs and tissues, which may complicate recovery.¹

Adhesions are also a concern in C-section surgery. The extra time required to cut through adhesions may delay the time it takes to deliver your baby.² Learn more about adhesions and C-sections.

Because adhesions can obstruct and wall off parts of the abdominal and pelvic cavity, they may also complicate the following treatment options:

• Intraperitoneal (IP) Chemotherapy – A type of chemotherapy delivered directly into the abdominal cavity rather than by needle injection into the veins. IP chemotherapy is a common treatment for ovarian cancer. Patients with adhesions may not be considered appropriate candidates for IP chemotherapy because adhesions can wall off a section of the abdomen or pelvis, preventing IP chemotherapy from distributing properly to the intended sites.³
• Radiotherapy – The use of radiation to destroy cancer or other abnormal cells in the body. Adhesions can pull organs and tissues out of their normal positions, causing them to be irradiated unintentionally, risking damage to healthy tissue, as well as causing targeted organs and tissues to be missed.⁴
• Laparoscopy – A minimally invasive type of surgery that involves inserting a laparoscope (a tube with a camera at the end) and other instruments through small incisions. Adhesions can make inserting laparoscopic instruments difficult and limit visibility of internal organs or structures.³

Cesarean Section A surgical procedure in which your OB/GYN makes an incision through your lower abdomen and then through your uterus in order to access and deliver your baby. An alternative to vaginal birth when indicated by an OB/GYN. Full glossary

Laparoscopy An operation that opens up the abdomen. Full glossary

Adhesions Internal scars that may form after surgery on or between internal organs and/or body tissue. Adhesions between tissues can twist and pull organs out of their normal places. Full glossary

Radiotherapy The treatment of disease by radiation (such as X-rays); also called radiation therapy. Full glossary

Adhesiolysis Severing of adhesive band(s); performed by either laparotomy (open surgery) or laparoscopy. Full glossary

1. Van der Krabben AA, Dijkstra FR, Nieuwenhuijzen M, Reijnen MMPJ, Schaapveld M, van Goor H.  Morbidity and mortality of inadvertent enterotomy during adhesiotomy. Br J Surg. 2000;87(4):467-471.

 

2. Morales KJ, Gordon MC, Bates GW Jr. Postcesarean delivery adhesions associated with delayed delivery of infant. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2007;196:461.e1-461.e6.

 

3. Nichols DH, Clarke-Pearson DL, eds. Gynecologic, Obstetric, and Related Surgery. 2^nd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc; 1993.

 

3. Nichols DH, Clarke-Pearson DL, eds. Gynecologic, Obstetric, and Related Surgery. 2^nd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc; 1993.

 

4. Eifel PF.  Radiation therapy. In: Berek JS, Hacker NF, eds. Practical Gynecologic Oncology, 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005: 119-161.