Adhesions after appendicitis

Appendectomy is the most common operation in surgery. The operation itself is quite simple. With uncomplicated appendicitis and a properly performed operation, the postoperative period is several weeks. However, it must be taken very seriously, since adhesions often form in patients of different ages. Some people don't know what adhesions after appendicitis are.

What are spikes?

Adhesions after appendicitis (strands) are formations that appear in the abdominal cavity, as well as between intestinal loops. Formed from connective tissue by gluing serous membranes. With an inflammatory focus, the abdominal cavity is attached to the focus of inflammation. This phenomenon prevents the further spread of pathology and acts as a kind of protection. However, this may cause deformation of the internal organs.

Reasons for education

The cause of the pathology is the inflammatory process. The following provoking factors can be distinguished:

• prolonged tissue ischemia;
• violation of the technique of the operation;
• the presence of foreign bodies in the wound;
• severe bleeding during surgery.

In the postoperative period, the patient requires a special diet and restriction of physical activity. Failure to follow these recommendations may lead to adhesions. In addition, the patient should be aware that excessive physical inactivity also causes adhesions.

Clinical picture

Pain is the main clinical sign. Localized in the right lower abdomen. Increases during sudden movements. There are no specific symptoms. The symptoms are easy to confuse with other diseases. During the adhesive process, the following manifestations are noted:

• flatulence;
• frequent constipation;
• nausea and vomiting;
• disruption of the cardiovascular system;
• lowering blood pressure;
• decrease in working capacity;
• drowsiness, fatigue;
• loss of appetite.

Symptoms are especially pronounced in the acute form of the disease. Signs appear when the pathology threatens a person's life. Secondary surgery may be required.

A person should be alerted by severe abdominal pain and regular constipation. There is an intoxication syndrome. If the bowel function is disturbed, the stool may be absent for several days. The pain is predominantly of a pulling nature. Increases with excessive loads, as well as with changing weather conditions. With the transition of the pathology into a chronic form, the patient's body weight decreases.

Diagnostic methods

If symptoms are present, a doctor should be consulted. First, the patient is examined. To confirm the presence of adhesions, the following studies are prescribed:

• general and biochemical blood test;
• Abdominal ultrasound.

These methods will help to establish the presence of an inflammatory process. Ultrasound will help examine the abdominal organs, as well as determine the presence of adhesions. An x-ray with a contrast agent is also taken. To do this, the patient needs to drink a special substance, and then take an x-ray. This allows you to see the picture of the disease. Quite informative method is diagnostic laparoscopy. A special tube with a camera and lighting is placed in the abdominal cavity, which allows you to examine the organs from the inside.

What is dangerous pathology?

Adhesive disease leads to serious intestinal disorders. There is a metabolic disorder. The main complications are:

• acute intestinal obstruction;
• necrosis of intestinal tissues.

Intestinal obstruction appears due to compression of the intestinal tube by adhesions. The intestines cannot function normally and remove the contents. The following symptoms appear:

• paroxysmal pain;
• vomit;
• flatulence;
• tachycardia;
• constipation;
• a sharp drop in blood pressure.

If symptoms appear, you should immediately call an ambulance. Intestinal necrosis occurs when blood circulation is disturbed. Cell death occurs. The patient needs surgery.

In women, multiple adhesions after removal of the appendix may spread to the appendages. This leads to the fact that pregnancy does not occur for a long time.

Treatment

Treatment of adhesions after appendicitis can only be prescribed by a doctor. Methods are selected depending on the neglect of the process. At the initial stages, conservative methods of treatment can be effective. They include:

1. Medical treatment. Vitamin E, Aloe in ampoules and folic acid help against adhesions. The dosage and duration of the course is determined by the doctor.
2. Physiotherapy. Paraffin therapy is carried out, as well as electrophoresis with painkillers.

These methods are especially effective at the very beginning of the pathology. If after conservative therapy the patient's condition has not improved, then an operation is performed. During it, the adhesions are excised. You also need to follow a diet. Don't overeat or starve. Food should be consumed in small portions at the same time. From the diet it is necessary to exclude fatty and gas-producing foods. It is necessary to give up alcoholic beverages and include foods containing calcium in the diet.

Prevention

To prevent the development of adhesions, do the following:

• avoid food poisoning;
• exclude inflammatory processes;
• avoid excessive physical activity;
• after removing the appendix, follow the recommendations of the doctor.

Patients who are faced with pathology know how difficult it is to endure. Adhesions after appendicitis surgery are easier to prevent than to treat later. To do this, it is necessary to follow the recommendations in the postoperative period, and if symptoms appear, consult a doctor. Timely diagnosis and treatment of adhesions can prevent serious complications. In this case, the outcome for the patient will be favorable.

Video: Adhesions after surgery treatment