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Publication:

Surgical Technology International XVIII - Gynecology

Article title:

Adhesions Following Surgery: Pathogenesis and Current Experience with Adhesion Barriers

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Author(s)

Christopher Sutton, M.A., F.R.C.O.G.
Professor of Gynecological Surgery
University of Surrey
Guildford, UK

 

Honorary Consultant Gynecologist
Royal Surrey County Hospital
Guildford, UK

 

Emeritus Consultant Gynecologist
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
London, UK

 

Member of the Expert Adhesions Working Party of the European Society of
Gynecological Endoscopy

Abstract

Postoperative adhesions are a serious consequence of any type of intra-abdominal surgery and can result in infertility, pain, or bowel obstruction. Unfortunately, the paradox with adhesiolysis is that surgery performed to remove adhesions often results in further adhesion formation, so the problem persists and symptoms return and complications recur. Laparoscopic surgery with adherence to microsurgical techniques such as minimal tissue handling, rigorous attention to hemostasis, and copious irrigation was initially thought to minimize adhesion formation but such hopes have not been validated by clinical studies.