Adhesions, also known as scar tissue, can distort or even block the fallopian tubes. Adhesions can be formed by anything that leads to an inflammatory response, such as surgery, endometriosis, or infection.
Can Adhesions Be Removed?
Adhesions can be removed by using laparoscopy or laparotomy. Doing so can help reduce pain and may improve the possibility of getting pregnant. In some cases, adhesions may reform after being removed.
Risks
Most adhesions form after gynecologic pelvic surgery, such as surgery for endometriosis, surgery on the ovary to remove cysts, myomectomy to remove fibroids, or tubal surgery to remove an ectopic pregnancy. Studies have shown that adhesions formed in 55-100% of patients who had reproductive pelvic surgery. Surgery performed to remove adhesions can even lead to new adhesions.
Microsurgery using a microscope or magnifying glasses and special surgical technique results in less tissue damage, therefore having a lower chance of adhesion development than the traditional approach. Laparoscopic surgery, which is performed through several small incisions using a camera, typically causes less adhesion formation than laparotomy, in which there is one larger incision without the use of a camera. Diagnostic procedures like diagnostic hysteroscopy or diagnostic laparoscopy, which only involve visual inspection, rarely lead to adhesions.
Reduce Your Risk
Reducing your risk of developing adhesions begins with voicing your concerns to your doctor. There are techniques that can be used to reduce the risk at the time of surgery. Prevention of infection is essential, as well as using microsurgery or laparoscopic techniques. Adhesion barriers may be used to help prevent adhesion formation, which are gauze-like materials that dissolve into a gelatinous layer. It is eventually absorbed by the body.
NCCRM
The North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine/Talbert Fertility Institute is the premiere center for reproductive health in North Carolina and the East Coast. Our team specializes in fertility testing, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility conditions. We’re experts in IVF, Tubal Ligation Reversal, Male Infertility, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), Gestation Surrogacy, Family Balancing, and more. Contact us today.
