Fw: Adhesion Formation Following Abdominal Surgery

From: Helen Dynda (olddad66@runestone.net)
Tue Jan 16 18:32:59 2001


This information is from the Genzyme Biosurgery website ( The Url is below.)

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[]]] Adhesion Formation Following Abdominal Surgery

"Adhesive Disease is a consequence of abdominal surgery. The process begins immediately following the operation." Marvin L. Corman, M.D., University of California, Los Angeles.

Adhesion formation occurs during the natural and normal tissue repair process, when tissue surfaces that usually are separated adhere to each other. The body's cavities and internal organs are covered by membranes. In the abdomen and pelvis, this membrane is known as the peritoneum. The peritoneum protects and lubricates the external surface of the organs they cover. When the peritoneum is damaged, for example during surgery, a protein called fibrin can accumulate on the injured surface, making it sticky. This sticky surface can then adhere to other areas of peritoneum. These sticky bands are called adhesions.

Under normal circumstances, fibrin present at the site of mesothelial damage is broken down by plasmin. Plasmin is derived from plasminogen, a protein found in the blood. Tissue plasminogen activators (released from mesothelial cells) convert plasminogen into plasmin. Through a process called fibrinolysis, the plasmin then breaks down the fibrin into a substance that is absorbed by the peritoneum. Permanent adhesions form when fibrinolysis does not occur following the formation of the fibrin matrix. In the setting of ischemia or inflammation, plasminogen is not activated and plasmin does not form. Consequently, the fibrin cannot be broken down and a permanent adhesion forms.

Adhesions can cause tissues or organs to adhere to each other, often limiting the mobility of organs and inducing pain. Adhesions are associated with chronic abdominal and pelvic pain, intestinal obstruction, female infertility and can make future operations much more difficult.

http://www.genzymebiosurgery.com/opage.asp?ogroup=1&olevel=3&opage== 67

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