Name of the Procedure:

Adhesion Barrier Placement (C1765) Common Names: Adhesion Prevention, Anti-Adhesion Barrier, Surgical Mesh for Adhesion

Summary

An adhesion barrier is a medical device used during surgery to reduce unwanted adhesions or scar tissue that can form after procedures. These thin films or gel-like substances are placed between tissues and organs to keep them separated while healing.

Purpose

Adhesion barriers are used to prevent internal tissues and organs from sticking together after surgery, which can cause pain, bowel obstructions, and infertility. The goal is to promote smooth healing and prevent complications related to adhesions.

Indications

• Patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgeries, especially repeated surgeries.
• History of previous adhesions or complications from adhesions.
• Risk factors that increase adhesion formation (e.g., endometriosis, inflammatory conditions).

Preparation

• Patients may be required to fast for a certain period before surgery.
• Medication adjustments may be needed, including stopping blood thinners as directed by the physician.
• Diagnostic tests such as imaging (e.g., MRI, CT scan) and blood tests may be performed to assess the patient’s condition.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: The patient is brought to the operating room and placed under general anesthesia.
2. Surgical Access: The surgeon performs the necessary surgical procedure (e.g., bowel resection, gynecological surgery).
3. Application: Before closing the surgical site, the surgeon places the adhesion barrier (a film, gel, or solution) over or between the tissues and organs.

4. Closure: The surgical site is closed using sutures or staples.

   The specific type and placement technique of the adhesion barrier can vary depending on the surgery and the surgeon’s preference.

Duration

The placement of the adhesion barrier adds approximately 15-30 minutes to the total surgery time, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Setting

Adhesion barrier placement is performed in a hospital operating room or a surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeon: Performs the procedure
• Surgical Assistants/Nurses: Assists the surgeon and manages the surgical environment
• Anesthesiologist: Manages anesthesia and monitors the patient

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Inflammation, local irritation, minor bleeding.
• Rare Risks: Infection, adverse reaction to the barrier material, improper healing, or ineffective adhesion prevention.

Benefits

• Reduced risk of adhesion-related complications such as pain, bowel obstructions, and infertility.
• Improved surgical outcomes and faster return to normal activities.
• Benefits are typically seen within weeks to months post-surgery.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Routine monitoring for signs of infection or adverse reactions.
• Recovery Time: Varies depending on the underlying surgery but generally ranges from days to weeks.
• Instructions: Follow-up appointments for assessment; adherence to dietary restrictions, activity limitations, and wound care instructions as provided by the healthcare team.

Alternatives

• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs or hormones.
• Surgical Techniques: Laparoscopic surgery which is less invasive and reduces the risk of adhesions.
• Pros and Cons: Medications may be less effective and have systemic side effects; laparoscopic surgery may not be suitable for all conditions but has a lower risk of adhesion formation.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: The patient is under general anesthesia and will not feel anything during the surgery.
• After Procedure: There may be mild pain or discomfort at the surgical site, managed with prescribed pain medication. Most patients report improvement in comfort and experience fewer complications related to adhesions after recovery.