Lysis of Adhesions
Expert Adhesiolysis Procedure At Pain Management Of SA In Live Oak, Texas
Chronic pain can significantly impact your daily life, and at Pain Management of SA, we know how frustrating this can be. Physical therapy and medicine don’t always work, so when they fail, we explore other solutions like breaking adhesions, allowing you to regain control.
Before determining if an adhesiolysis may be beneficial in your particular situation, our specialists take into account the specifics of each patient; however, please know that we are committed to aiding individuals in getting back on track with their daily lives as soon as possible, regardless of anything.
What are Adhesions?
Adhesions are abnormal bands of scar tissue. They can form after operations, wounds, or infections. Infrequently, they may develop in muscles, around nerves, or in the epidural space (the area around the spinal cord).
Adhesions bind down organs and cause them to stick together. This restricts movement and blocks the passage of food through the intestines. They can also compress nerves and lead to continuous pain if located near areas of previous injury.
Lysis of Adhesions: A Minimally Invasive Treatment
To rupture and disturb these bands of scar tissue, lysis of adhesions or adhesiolysis is performed as a less-invasive surgery. It can relieve pain, enhance flexibility, and recover normal function.
How is Lysis of Adhesions Performed?
Usually, the process is carried out as an outpatient treatment under fluoroscopic guidance (live X-ray imaging). Here are the general steps:
- Numbing : A local anesthetic is used to numb the injection site.
- Needle Insertion : Under fluoroscopic guidance, a thin needle is inserted carefully into the area where adhesions are present.
- Medicine Injection : A drug mixture, including anti-inflammatory (steroid) and pain-relieving (local anesthetic) medications, is injected at the adhesion site. Occasionally, hyaluronidase, an enzyme that promotes scar tissue breakdown, can also be employed.
- Observation & Recovery : After this procedure, you will be observed for a period of time before being discharged home with specific postoperative instructions.
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Benefits of Lysis of Adhesions
The breakdown of adhesions offers many benefits compared to usual operations used in the treatment of chronic pain:
Least Invasive
The process involves using a needle, causing minimum damage to tissues and less scarring.
Procedure as Outpatient
Typically performed on an outpatient basis eliminates the need for overnight hospital admission.
Quick Healing Process
Recovery takes much less time than an open operation would require.
Treatment Focused on One Point
This method involves taking medicine straight to the site of adhesion, making it more potent.
Lower Chances of Complications
Being minimally invasive reduces the risk for bleeding or infection, which are common complications associated with major surgeries.
Who is a Candidate for Lysis of Adhesions?
For patients who are struggling with chronic pain due to adhesions, lysis of adhesions may be an extremely viable treatment option, especially those who have not found relief through conservative treatments. Here are some common conditions that can benefit from this procedure:
- Post-surgical Pain : Chronic pain following spinal surgery, abdominal surgery, or other procedures.
- Chronic Low Back Pain : Pain that radiates down the leg (sciatica) or other symptoms suggesting nerve compression by adhesions.
- Neck Pain : Pain and stiffness in the neck possibly caused by adhesions around the cervical spine.
- Headaches : Certain types of headaches, such as cervicogenic headaches, may be associated with adhesions in the cervical spine.
What to Expect After Lysis of Adhesions
Following the procedure, patients may experience temporary soreness or discomfort at the injection site. However, it is usually mild and can be managed by pain medication. Most patients report an improvement in their pain levels within a few days to weeks. However, it may take several weeks before the full effects of this operation become noticeable.
Our Approach to Pain Management of SA
At Pain Management of SA, our experienced board-certified physicians in pain will perform a thorough evaluation to decide if lysis of adhesions is suitable for the patient.
We review your medical records, perform physical examinations, and order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs to determine where adhesion(s) are located and how far they have spread. We believe that each person’s needs must be taken into account, ensuring a personalized approach to pain management.
FAQs
Similar to every medical method, adhesion lysis has some risks. Some examples are bleeding, infection, or nerve irritation for a short time. However, if the proper technique is used, these risks are implausible. Your doctor will explain these risks in depth at the time of consultation.
The severity and individual patient influence how long relief lasts. While some patients may require further operations within a given period, others are permanently relieved from pain after undergoing this process once or twice in their lifetime.