Abdominal adhesions are difficult to prevent; however, certain surgical techniques can minimize abdominal adhesions.
Laparoscopic surgery decreases the potential for abdominal adhesions because several tiny incisions are made in the lower abdomen instead of one large incision. The surgeon inserts a laparoscope, a thin tube with a tiny video camera attached, into one of the small incisions. The camera sends a magnified image from inside the body to a video monitor. Patients will usually receive general anesthesia during this surgery.
If laparoscopic surgery is not possible and a large abdominal incision is required, at the end of surgery a special filmlike material can be inserted between organs or between the organs and the abdominal incision. The filmlike material, which looks similar to wax paper and is absorbed by the body in about a week, hydrates organs to help prevent abdominal adhesions.
Other steps taken during surgery to reduce abdominal adhesions include
- using starch- and latex-free gloves
- handling tissues and organs gently
- shortening surgery time
- using moistened drapes and swabs
- occasionally applying saline solution