intestinal adhesion (bowel adhesion)

Bands of fibrous tissue that can connect the loops of the intestines to each other, to other abdominal organs, or to the abdominal wall. Etiology: 1) congenital 2) abdominal surgery (most common) a) more common after procedures on the colon, appendix, or uterus than after surgery on the stomach, gall bladder, or pancreas b) risk of developing adhesions increases with the passage of time after the surgery 3) inflammation Pathology: - adhesions are a major cause of intestinal obstruction Clinical manifestations: 1) some adhesions will cause no symptoms 2) symptoms of intestinal obstruction a) crampy abdominal pain b) vomiting c) bloating d) inability to pass gas e) constipation Radiology: - computed tomography Management: 1) exploratory surgery to locate adhesions and source of pain 2) a diet low in fiber, called a low-residue diet, allows food to move more easily through the affected area 3) surgery may be necessary to remove the adhesions, reposition the intestine, & relieve symptoms 4) risk of developing more adhesions increases with each additional surgery Prevention: 1) biodegradable membranes or gels to separate organs at the end of surgery 2) laparoscopic surgery reduces the size of the incision & the handling of the organs

General

fibrous adhesion intestinal disease abdominal adhesion

References

Intestinal Adhesions https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/abdominal-adhesions