Adhesions Are Scar Tissue — Surgical Release Is the Only Way to Remove Them
Pelvic adhesions are bands of fibrous scar tissue that form inside the pelvis — binding organs together, restricting their normal movement, and causing pain that medication cannot resolve. They develop after pelvic infection, prior surgery, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Once formed, adhesions do not dissolve on their own and cannot be treated with medication. Surgical release — adhesiolysis — is the only intervention that removes them.
Adhesions cause pain because they hold organs in abnormal positions and prevent them from moving freely as they normally would during activity, bowel filling, and the menstrual cycle. The pain is often described as a pulling, tugging, or pressure sensation — sometimes worsening with specific movements or certain phases of the menstrual cycle.
Dr. Andrei performs laparoscopic adhesiolysis at Lapeer County Surgery Center for straightforward outpatient cases and at affiliated hospitals for more complex cases. The procedure is frequently combined with endometriosis excision when both conditions are present.
Who Benefits from Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis
Adhesiolysis is considered when pelvic adhesions are the identified or strongly suspected cause of symptoms that have not responded to conservative management.
Chronic pelvic pain with history of prior pelvic surgery
Persistent pelvic pain following prior laparotomy, myomectomy, appendectomy, bowel surgery, or C-section — where adhesions from prior surgery are the most likely cause.
Chronic pelvic pain with history of endometriosis
Endometriosis frequently generates pelvic adhesions as part of its inflammatory process. Adhesiolysis and endometriosis excision are typically performed together when both are present.
Chronic pelvic pain with history of pelvic infection
Prior pelvic inflammatory disease or tubo-ovarian abscess can generate extensive pelvic adhesions. Laparoscopic release restores normal anatomy and relieves associated pain.
Infertility from tubal or ovarian adhesions
Adhesions binding the fallopian tubes or ovaries can mechanically interfere with egg pickup and fertilization. Adhesiolysis may be performed as part of a fertility evaluation.
Restricted pelvic organ mobility on examination
Findings suggesting fixed, immobile pelvic organs — particularly a uterus that does not move freely — that correlate with the reported pain pattern.
Adhesions documented on prior laparoscopy not fully released
Women with adhesions documented on prior laparoscopy who did not have them fully released, or where they have reformed after prior lysis.
Releasing Adhesions — Restoring Normal Pelvic Anatomy
Laparoscopic adhesiolysis uses sharp dissection — scissors and precise electrosurgery — to cut through adhesive bands and separate bound organs.
Dr. Andrei uses a combination of laparoscopic scissors and precise electrosurgical energy to release adhesions while minimizing the risk of re-formation.
- Systematic mapping of all adhesive bands before release begins
- Sharp dissection preferred to minimize thermal injury to organs
- Careful hemostasis to reduce adhesion re-formation risk
- Combined with endometriosis excision when both conditions present
- All released tissue inspected for endometriosis implants
Laparoscopic adhesiolysis facility selection depends on expected complexity.
- Lapeer County Surgery Center — straightforward adhesiolysis, outpatient same-day
- McLaren Lapeer Hospital — complex cases, combined procedures
- McLaren Flint Hospital — Genesee County patients
- Henry Ford Rochester Hospital — Oakland County patients
“Adhesiolysis provides the best opportunity for relief when the adhesions are the primary driver of a patient’s pain — not just an incidental finding. The patient selection conversation at consultation matters as much as the surgery itself.”
Consultation Through Recovery
Adhesiolysis at Lapeer Women’s Health follows the same structured pathway as all laparoscopic GYN procedures.
Consultation and Imaging
Dr. Andrei reviews your history, prior surgical records, and current imaging. She discusses whether adhesiolysis alone or a combined procedure is appropriate for your case and which facility will be used.
Surgery Day
Under general anesthesia, Dr. Andrei performs a complete laparoscopic survey of the pelvis and releases all identified adhesions. If endometriosis is found, it is excised at the same session.
Recovery
Most patients go home the same day. Physical recovery is typically two to three weeks.
Follow-Up
Dr. Andrei sees you at two weeks post-operatively and discusses any measures that may reduce the risk of adhesion re-formation.
Recovery After Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis
Recovery is similar to other laparoscopic GYN procedures — measured in weeks, not months.
Most patients go home the same day. Oral pain medication manages discomfort effectively. Light walking from day one.
Desk work and light household tasks manageable within one to two weeks. Driving resumes once off narcotics.
Most women return to full activity within two to three weeks. Pain relief — when adhesions were the primary driver — typically becomes apparent within the first few weeks post-operatively.
Questions About Adhesion Treatment
Adhesions Cause Real Pain.
Surgical Release Provides Real Relief.
If you have chronic pelvic pain with a history of prior surgery, endometriosis, or pelvic infection, adhesions may be the cause. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrei to determine whether laparoscopic adhesiolysis is appropriate.
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment options vary significantly. Reading this content does not establish a physician-patient relationship with Dr. Ramona D. Andrei or Lapeer Women’s Health. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation. Content reviewed by Dr. Ramona D. Andrei, MD PhD FACOG.
Gynecologic care for women of every age
Lapeer Women’s Health — Rochester Hills
2710 S Rochester Rd, Suite 2
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Serving patients in Lapeer, Rochester Hills, and surrounding communities throughout Southeast Michigan.