Adhesions in the Intestine

Intestinal Adhesions

When intestinal adhesions occur, bands of fibrous tissue can connect the

 loops of the intestine to each other

 intestine to the other abdominal organs

 intestine to the abdominal wall

these bands of tissue can pull sections of the intestine out of place and may block the passage of food. Adhesions are the most common cause of obstruction in the intestine. Most cases of intestinal adhesions occur after abdominal surgery.

These intestinal adhesions may be present at birth or may for after an abdominal surgery or inflammation. This condition occurs more commonly after surgery on the ccolon, appendix, or uterus. Although rare, it may also occur in other surgical procedures of the abdomen, such as surgery on the stomach, gall bladder, and the pancreas. Over time, the risk of developing adhesions increases.

Symptoms

In some cases of intestinal adhesions, symptoms may not be present. However, when partial obstruction of the intestine occurs, the symptoms felt by the person with the condition may differ. Symptoms may vary from person to person depending on the degree and location of the obstruction, which may include

 crampy abdominal pain

 vomiting

 bloating

 inability to pass gas

 constipation

Diagnosis

Diagnostic procedures such as x rays (computed tomography) or barium contrast may be helpful in locating the obstruction. In some cases, exploratory surgery may also be recommended by the doctor to locate the adhesions and the source of pain.

Treatment

Sometimes, adhesions may cause no symptoms and may go away without any special medical treatment. However, a diet low in fiber—called low-residue diet—may be beneficial in people whose intestine is partially blocked. The low-residue diet helps in allowing food to move more easily through the affected area of the intestine.
In some cases of intestinal adhesions, surgery may be required to remove adhesions

 reposition the intestine

 relieve the symptoms.

With each additional surgery, however, the risk of developing more adhesions increases.

Reference:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Intestinal Adhesions. National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. NIH Publication No. 04-5037. Available at http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/intestinaladhesions/index.htm. Accessed July 23, 2008

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