Adhesions Treated in Peoria

What are adhesions?

Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form inside your abdomen or in the upper part of your intestines. The tissue develops between your organs, causing them to stick together or to bind to the abdominal wall.

Once these structures become stuck, movements can cause intense abdominal pain. Adhesions can also result in other health complications, like intestinal obstructions, which may become life-threatening.

In many cases, people who have had open abdominal or intestine surgery are more likely to have abdominal or intestinal adhesions. You may also develop adhesions if you have a condition like diverticulitis or Crohn’s disease that causes chronic inflammation in the abdomen.

What are the symptoms of abdominal adhesions?

You can have abdominal or intestinal adhesions without experiencing any symptoms. However, twisting and pulling movements might cause pain that may worsen over time. Other common symptoms of adhesions include:

• Nausea
• Bloating
• Vomiting
• Constipation

If you have adhesions that cause an obstruction in your intestines, this can cut off proper blood flow to the area, resulting in peritonitis or inflammation of the lining of your abdominal wall that causes chronic pain. You may also notice you’re not able to pass gas as a result of intestinal obstructions.

How are adhesions diagnosed?

If you experience symptoms of adhesions that don’t resolve on their own or worsen over time, the skilled surgeons at the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery can perform a physical exam to confirm adhesions or identify other causes of your symptoms.

Imaging tests are also a part of the diagnostic process and your surgeon may request an ultrasound or CT scan during your evaluation.

Do I need surgery for adhesions?

If you have adhesions that aren’t causing pain or other issues, you likely won’t need surgery. However, if abdominal or intestinal adhesions affect your health, the CMIRS surgeons can perform adhesion release surgery using minimally invasive or robot-assisted techniques.

If you suffer complications, like intestinal obstructions as the result of adhesions, you should seek treatment right away. Your CMIRS surgeon can determine if emergency surgery is necessary to prevent intestinal damage and other health complications.

Learn more about minimally invasive surgical treatments for abdominal or intestinal adhesions by calling the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery or scheduling a consultation online today.