Disease Insights: adhesion
Welcome to the ultimate guide on adhesion. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.
Description for adhesion
Bands of scar tissue that bind organs or tissues together, often forming after surgery.
Symptoms of adhesion
abdominal tenderness, blockage of the intestine, nausea, pain in the abdomen, vomiting
Precautions for adhesion
Take prescribed pain relief medicati, Avoid activities that cause strain, Engage in physical therapy, Monitor symptoms for any worsenin
Questions Covered:
- what is adhesion?
- What are the usual symptoms of adhesion?
- causes of adhesion?
- What are the possible complications that could arise from adhesion?
- How do doctors usually treat adhesion?
Answers:
Question: what is adhesion?
Gallbladder adhesions happen when scar tissue develops around your gallbladder after surgery or an episode of inflammation.
Gallbladder adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form on your gallbladder. This tough adhesive tissue causes your gallbladder to stick to surrounding abdominal tissues. Gallbladder adhesions typically develop after abdominal surgery or when a condition such as gallstones causes inflammation in your gallbladder.
Researchers estimate that about 90%
of adhesions in the abdominal cavity, including gallbladder adhesions, result from abdominal surgery. Gallbladder adhesions often don't cause symptoms but may complicate future gallbladder surgery.
This article takes a deep look at gallbladder adhesions. You'll learn what they are, when they're most likely to develop, and how they affect your health.
Question: What are the usual symptoms of adhesion?
In many cases, abdominal adhesions don't cause any noticeable symptoms or need treatment. But in some cases, they may cause general abdominal symptoms such as pain and cramping.
Question: causes of adhesion?
Adhesions are the result of your body creating scar tissue, which it does when it's healing from an injury.
Gallbladder adhesions can form after surgery or as a result of conditions such as acute cholecystitis. Acute cholecystitis is the sudden inflammation of your gallbladder, typically caused by gallstones. Adhesions usually develop within 96 hours
of this inflammatory event.
About 90%
of people who undergo open abdominal surgery develop some abdominal adhesions. An open surgery is any abdominal surgery performed through large incisions, such as gallbladder removal or cesarean delivery.
Adhesions are less common among people who receive laparoscopic surgery, which is the method used in most gallbladder procedures today. Laparoscopic surgery involves making small incisions and using a thin tube with a camera and other small surgical tools. Weight loss surgery and laparotomy are other common abdominal laparoscopic procedures.
Question: What are the possible complications that could arise from adhesion?
The gold standard treatment
for sudden gallbladder inflammation is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the removal of the gallbladder through a small incision.
The formation of adhesions between the gallbladder and other tissues, such as the omentum or bowel, can complicate laparoscopic surgery. When surgeons cut through adhesions, they risk damaging your gallbladder or bile duct.
Surgeons may have to switch from laparoscopic surgery to more invasive open surgery if they discover adhesions during your gallbladder procedure. This helps them ensure that they can access your gallbladder safely.
Researchers estimate that 4'15% of laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgeries must be converted to open surgery. Gallbladder adhesions are one of the main reasons for conversion.
Bowel obstruction
Some abdominal adhesions can cause bowel obstruction, which can be life threatening. Possible symptoms include:
severe abdominal pain
constipation
inability to pass gas
nausea and vomiting
bloating
It's critical to seek immediate medical attention any time you develop severe abdominal pain and an inability to pass gas.
Question: How do doctors usually treat adhesion?
Adhesions are common after abdominal surgery. Surgeons often won't perform laparoscopic gallbladder surgery if you have a history of abdominal surgery due to the high risk of adhesions.
Types of surgeries that may cause gallbladder adhesions include:
small intestine or stomach ulcer surgery
major bowel surgery
major blood vessel surgery
emergency abdominal surgery
Surgeries that involve a small incision, such as an appendectomy, rarely interfere with successful laparoscopic gallbladder surgery.
Doctors may be able to see whether you have gallbladder adhesions before your surgery by using a type of imaging called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
Researchers in a 2019 study sought to find out whether an elevated white blood cell count in people with an inflamed gallbladder might be associated with a higher risk of gallbladder adhesions. They did not find a significant correlation.
Useful Articles on adhesion
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Conclusion & Takeaways
Learning about adhesion is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.