intestinal adhesion (bowel adhesion)

Introduction

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

• congenital
• abdominal surgery (most common)
  • more common after procedures on the colon, appendix, or uterus than after surgery on the stomach, gall bladder, or pancreas
  • risk of developing adhesions increases with the passage of time after the surgery
• inflammation

Pathology

• adhesions are a major cause of intestinal obstruction

Clinical manifestations

• some adhesions will cause no symptoms
• symptoms of intestinal obstruction
  • crampy abdominal pain
  • vomiting
  • bloating
  • inability to pass gas
  • constipation

Radiology

• computed tomography

Management

• exploratory surgery to locate adhesions and source of pain
• a diet low in fiber, called a low-residue diet, allows food to move more easily through the affected area
• surgery may be necessary to remove the adhesions, reposition the intestine, & relieve symptoms
• risk of developing more adhesions increases with each additional surgery

Prevention:

• biodegradable membranes or gels to separate organs at the end of surgery
• laparoscopic surgery reduces the size of the incision & the handling of the organs

More general terms

• fibrous adhesion
• intestinal disease

Patient information

intestinal adhesion patient information