Adhesions and Adhesiolysis: the Role of Laparoscopy

Overview

Journal JSLS

Specialty General Surgery

Date 2002 Jul 13

PMID 12113430

Citations 29

Authors

Stephen M Kavic

Suzanne M Kavic

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Adhesions commonly result from abdominal and pelvic surgical procedures and may result in intestinal obstruction, infertility, chronic pain, or complicate subsequent operations. Laparoscopy produces less peritoneal trauma than does conventional laparotomy and may result in decreased adhesion formation. We present a review of the available data on laparoscopy and adhesion formation, as well as laparoscopic adhesiolysis. We also review current adjuvant techniques that may be used by practicing laparoscopists to prevent adhesion formation.

Database: A Medline search using "adhesions," "adhesiolysis," and "laparoscopy" as key words was performed for English-language articles. Further references were obtained through cross-referencing the bibliography cited in each work.

Discussion: The majority of studies indicate that laparoscopy may reduce postoperative adhesion formation relative to laparotomy. However, laparoscopy by itself does not appear to eliminate adhesions completely. A variety of adjuvant materials are available to surgeons, and the most recent investigation has demonstrated significant potential for intraperitoneal barriers. Newer technologies continue to evolve and should result in clinically relevant reductions in adhesion formation.

Citing Articles

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