Name of the Condition

• Common Name: Intestinal adhesions
• Technical Term: Intestinal adhesions [bands] with partial obstruction

Summary

Intestinal adhesions occur when bands of fibrous tissue form between sections of the intestines and other abdominal organs, potentially causing partial obstruction. This can result in digestive issues and requires medical attention to prevent complications.

Causes

• Surgical history: Adhesions frequently form after abdominal or pelvic surgery.
• Inflammation: Conditions causing abdominal inflammation (e.g., appendicitis, peritonitis) can lead to adhesions.
• Trauma or infections: Abdominal trauma or infections can contribute to adhesion formation.

Risk Factors

• Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery.
• History of abdominal infections or inflammation.
• Peritoneal dialysis or radiation therapy in the abdomen.

Symptoms

• Intermittent abdominal pain or cramping.
• Bloating and distension.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Partial bowel obstruction symptoms, including difficulty in passage of gas or stools.

Diagnosis

• Medical history and physical examination to assess symptoms.
• Imaging tests such as CT scans or abdominal X-rays to visualize obstructions and adherence patterns.
• Surgical exploration in some cases for definitive diagnosis.

Treatment Options

• Conservative management includes dietary modifications and monitoring.
• Surgical intervention (adhesiolysis) to remove adhesions when severe, recurring obstructions occur.
• Non-surgical treatments like decompression for temporary relief.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The prognosis can vary; some patients may experience recurrent adhesions.
• Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor symptoms and manage complications promptly.

Complications

• Complete bowel obstruction.
• Strangulation of the intestines, leading to tissue death.
• Chronic pain and digestive issues.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fiber to promote bowel regularity.
• Stay hydrated and engage in regular physical activity to support digestive health.
• Limit unnecessary abdominal surgeries when possible.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek immediate medical attention for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or inability to pass stool or gas, which may suggest a complete obstruction.

Additional Resources

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
• American College of Gastroenterology

Tips for Medical Coders

• Double-check the patient's surgical history and symptoms to accurately code the prevalence of adhesions with partial obstruction.
• Avoid miscoding as a complete obstruction unless explicitly noted in the medical records.