Laparoscopic adhesiolysis

A laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) is a minimally invasive procedure requiring a general anaesthetic. Adhesiolysis is the braking down of scar tissue (adhesions) inside the abdomen between loops of bowel. The scar tissue can cause chronic abdominal pain or intestinal blockage that can be identified and released with this procedure. The procedure takes place through small incisions on your abdomen, 0.5-1cm typical size, through which gas is inflated in order to create space and make internal organs easy to see. A tiny camera (laparoscope) is then inserted into the abdomen guiding the insertion of further specialised laparoscopic instruments which are used to inspect the organs inside the abdomen and brake down the adhesions.

Benefits of laparoscopic adhesiolysis

The benefits of a laparoscopic procedure compared to an open adhesiolysis:

• patients have less discomfort following the procedure and return back to normal activities much faster,
• reduced risk of bleeding and wound infections,
• less risk of scarring inside the abdomen with the subsequent risk of bowel obstruction,
• smaller abdominal scars offer a better cosmetic result.

Recovery

After the procedure you will be taken to the recovery room. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis is normally requires an overnight stay in hospital but sometimes patients may need to spend a few days in hospital depending on any additional procedures performed. You are typically expected to go home once you are eating and drinking, are able to manage the pain and walk unaided and have passed some urine. You will be informed of the diagnosis and any follow-up arrangements. Recovery depends on whether any additional procedures are performed. If no additional procedures have been performed you should be able to return back to work within a few days. You should avoid any heavy object lifting or strenuous exercise for at least 6 weeks to reduce the risk of developing a hernia.

Risks of procedure

If no additional procedures are performed the risks include complications common to all surgical procedures such as infection, bleeding, blood clots, heart problems, pneumonia, urinary retention, development of hernia, damage to intra-abdominal organs and anaesthetic risks. Complications specific to this procedure include the risk of damaging the bowel needing for a repair or sometimes removal of part of the bowel.