Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis (surgery for pelvic adhesions)

Adhesions can form in your pelvis from either infection, previous surgery and endometriosis.

I perform laparoscopic surgery to treat these adhesions, and this procedure is called adhesiolysis.

I will remove and cut through the scar tissue causing the adhesions. Sometimes I will work alongside a colorectal surgeon to dissect out bowel adhesions.

How is the surgery performed?

Laparoscopic adhesiolysis is performed under general anaesthesia through small incisions and the use of a camera attached laparoscope.
I will also use carbon dioxide gas expand the abdomen so that the pelvic organs are clearly visible.
The laparoscope, which is in effect a small tube attached with a camera and light at one end, is inserted into the abdomen to identify the adhesions.
Using surgical instruments designed for laparoscopy, the adhesions are cut or released to free the organs that had been damaged .

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Laparoscopic adhesiolysis may be associated with certain risks and complications which include injury to the surrounding organs, infection or bleeding, and rarely, formation of fresh adhesions.

What are the benefits of adhesiolysis?

Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between organs. In the abdomen, they form after an abdominal surgery or after a bout of intra-abdominal infection (ie, pelvic inflammatory disease, diverticulitis).
We know that more than 95% of patients who undergo abdominal surgery will develop adhesions; these are almost inevitably part of the body’s healing process.
Most patients do not have symptoms, but in some cases they can cause bowel obstructions, are associated with infertility, and chronic pain.
Laparoscopic adhesiolysis is effective and stops adhesions recurring and will treat the pain.