LSH: Adhesions

Hello all,

I'm scheduled for my subtotal laparoscopic hysterectomy on Dec. 20th. Today's panic is about adhesions. Could anyone give advice on how to avoid them?

My surgeon recommended uterine artery embolization, however that procedure really scared me. Therefore, I am opting for an "elective" hysterectomy. I have a 5 cm fibroid, another 2 cm fibroid, anemia that leaves me exhausted and 3 kids at home (single mother).

The idea of adhesions is frightening, especially after what I read today. A relative has had severe abdominal problems which she feels is a result of her hysterectomy 30 years ago! If this is an ordinary occurrence, I am truly frightened!

Any advice (comfort) would be appreciated.

Thanks.

dplus4

My doc's explanation of adhesions is they are caused from organs laying on each other within the initial 48 hours after surgery. So, they happen pretty fast. (I *think* but could be wrong, that they can be cut loose at a later time through an outpatient lap procedure.)

They have "absorbable barriers" they can place on organs in the areas they will be working. My doc said he didn't *think* I personally needed them, but I specifically requested them. They come in two forms, a spray and a mesh. I have already have had 5 laps, not real interested in a 6th, so to me an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Now my doc is opening up my entire abdomen so he is using the mesh (intercede is the brand name i think), I don't know what they can do in a lap hyster... that's probably the situation they would use the aerosol kind!

Good Luck sweetie!

I had a LSH on the 27th of Oct. Follow the dr's instruction for after surgery care and you should be fine. My dr. layed a mesh in between my organs to keep them from sticking together. Ask your doctor about it. Sometimes we worry about things that will never be. You'll be ok.

Good luck

Hi (((dplus4))) I have to ask... what is so scary about a UAE that is not scary about a hysterectomy? One is major surgery (the hyst), which includes general anesthesia and involves all the risks of major surgery, as well as the very real risk of adhesion formation that comes with major surgery; one (the UAE, aka UFE) is a minor radiological procedure with a local and no risk of adhesions since no organs are removed or cut.

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=ufe

That said, my surgeon has me take Celebrex (an anti-inflammatory) for a week or two following each surgery to minimize the likelihood of adhesion formation; he also has me take it easy, refrain from sudden movements or any kind of straining. So far I've been pretty lucky - have had adhesions due to a pelvic infection but none from surgery.

s,
-Linda