Abdominal Adhesions: What Causes Pain After Surgery?

Abdominal surgery is often lifesaving and necessary, but for some patients, the recovery journey does not end when the surgical wound heals. A common issue that can arise after abdominal or pelvic surgery is the development of abdominal adhesions. These are bands of scar tissue that form inside the body and cause internal organs or tissues to stick together. While many adhesions remain harmless, they can sometimes lead to persistent pain, discomfort, and complications.

What Are Abdominal Adhesions?

Abdominal adhesions are bands of fibrous scar tissue that develop after surgery or inflammation inside the abdominal cavity. Normally, internal organs and tissues move smoothly against each other. However, adhesions create unnatural connections between them, limiting this natural movement.

For example, loops of the intestine may stick together or attach to the abdominal wall, which can cause discomfort and complications.

Why Do Abdominal Adhesions Form After Surgery?

Scar tissue is a natural part of healing. Whenever the body undergoes surgery, an injury, or inflammation, it produces scar tissue to repair itself. However, in the abdomen, this scar tissue may extend beyond the surgical site and form adhesions.

Several reasons contribute to adhesion formation after surgery:

Surgical trauma: Cutting, stitching, or handling of tissues during procedures may trigger scar tissue.

Inflammation or infection: Conditions such as appendicitis, pelvic infections, or inflammatory bowel disease can worsen the risk.

Foreign materials: Surgical gloves, gauze fibers, or mesh may act as irritants and encourage adhesion formation.

Body’s natural healing response: In some patients, excessive scar tissue develops even without complications.

How Do Abdominal Adhesions Cause Pain?

Not all adhesions are painful. Many people live with them without experiencing symptoms. However, when adhesions pull, twist, or restrict the movement of internal organs, they can lead to pain and discomfort.

Here are some ways adhesions cause problems:

Chronic abdominal pain: Continuous pulling of tissues leads to dull, aching pain.

Obstruction of the intestines: When adhesions wrap or kink the bowel, it can block food, fluids, and gas. This is a medical emergency.

Restricted movement: Adhesions can make normal stretching, bending, or digestion painful.

Fertility issues in women: In some cases, adhesions in the pelvic region can affect reproductive organs.

Symptoms of Abdominal Adhesions

Do you often feel unexplained abdominal discomfort after surgery? Some common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain that worsens after meals or physical activity
• Bloating, gas, or fullness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cramping or irregular bowel movements
• Difficulty passing stool or gas
• Signs of bowel obstruction such as severe pain and distension

It is important to remember that these symptoms may also overlap with other abdominal conditions. A doctor’s evaluation is necessary to identify the true cause.

How Are Abdominal Adhesions Diagnosed?

Diagnosing adhesions can be challenging because they are not always visible in standard imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds. Doctors may recommend:

• CT or MRI scans to rule out other conditions.
• Diagnostic laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, to directly view adhesions.

A careful medical history and examination by an experienced specialist play a major role in identifying the condition.

Treatment Options for Abdominal Adhesions

Most adhesions do not require treatment unless they cause significant symptoms or complications. Management may include:

Lifestyle adjustments: Eating smaller meals, staying hydrated, and regular exercise may reduce discomfort.

Medications: Pain relief and medications to improve bowel function can help in milder cases.

Surgery (Adhesiolysis): In severe cases, doctors may perform surgery to cut and remove adhesions. Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery is often preferred as it reduces the risk of new adhesions forming.

Can Abdominal Adhesions Be Prevented?

Complete prevention may not always be possible, but certain techniques reduce the risk:

• Use of minimally invasive surgical methods
• Gentle handling of tissues during surgery
• Reducing exposure to foreign materials in the abdominal cavity
• Early management of abdominal infections or inflammation

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you have had abdominal or pelvic surgery and notice persistent or worsening pain, it is time to consult a doctor. Seek immediate help if you experience:

• Severe cramping pain
• Inability to pass stool or gas
• Continuous vomiting
• Swollen or hard abdomen

These may be signs of a bowel obstruction, which requires urgent treatment.

Why Choose Continental Hospitals for Abdominal Pain and Adhesion Care?

Continental Hospitals, Hyderabad, is a JCI-accredited and NABH-accredited hospital, recognized for its excellence in patient care and safety. With state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled gastroenterologists and surgeons, the hospital provides advanced diagnostic tools and minimally invasive treatment options for abdominal adhesions and related conditions.

At Continental Hospitals:

• Patients benefit from world-class standards of safety and quality.
• Expert specialists offer tailored treatment plans.
• The hospital ensures comprehensive care, from diagnosis to recovery.
• A patient-centric approach prioritizes comfort, faster recovery, and reduced risks.

Choosing Continental Hospitals means trusting a globally accredited healthcare institution dedicated to your well-being.

Conclusion

Abdominal adhesions are a common outcome of abdominal or pelvic surgery. While they may remain silent in some people, they can cause significant discomfort and even life-threatening complications in others. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for timely care.

If you suffer from persistent abdominal pain, bloating, or digestive problems after surgery, do not ignore the symptoms. Consulting an experienced specialist can make all the difference in diagnosis and treatment.

At Continental Hospitals, our expert gastroenterologists and surgeons are here to help you find relief and regain a healthy life. Book your appointment today with a specialist in abdominal and digestive health.