Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form inside the body. This type of scar tissue typically forms after surgery as part of the healing process but can also develop after an infection or a condition that causes inflammation, such as endometriosis.
Lysis of adhesions is a surgery to cut these bands of tissue and is usually performed laparoscopically, which is a minimally invasive approach that allows the surgeon to view and cut the adhesions through small incisions in the abdomen.
How do you prepare for Lysis of Adhesions?
During your pre-procedure consultation your Viva Eve surgeon will discuss the following:
- Anesthesia options and any allergies you may have
- Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
- Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
- Arranging for someone to pick you up after surgery
Why is a Lysis of Adhesions performed?
This surgery is done to remove adhesions that are causing problems, such as:
- Pelvic pain
- Painful sex
- Bowel obstruction
- Infertility
- Poor range of motion
What can you expect during a Lysis of Adhesions?
This operation is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes small incisions in the belly. Gas is used to expand the belly and allow the surgeon to see inside. A scope with a light and camera is placed through the incision and images are sent to a nearby screen. The adhesions are cut using small tools inserted through the incisions, which will be closed with stitches or staples and small bandages will be placed over them. In rare cases the surgeon may need to switch to open surgery which will require a larger incision.
What is the followup and recovery like for a Lysis of Adhesions?
Recovery from the lysis of adhesions is usually uneventful, particularly if the procedure has been done laparoscopically. The laparoscopic surgery is generally performed as an outpatient procedure and the patient should be mostly recovered after a few days.
What are the potential risks for a Lysis of Adhesions?
The risks for a Lysis of Adhesions surgery are similar to most other surgical operations. They include wound healing, bleeding, infection, and seroma (fluid collection) formation. Viva Eve’s surgeons will ensure that your recovery goes smoothly and if you follow the detailed postoperative instructions, you should heal quickly.