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" I have a friend who has had bowel adhesions who had to be operated on once eight years ago for them and they are now back."
H> MOST surgeons will not perform adhesiolysis procedures--that involve the bowel and cause bowel obstructions--unless the patient is having an emergency bowel obstruction!! I was told this by a surgeon from the Mayo Clinic. There is a very good reason for them to say this; because adhesions WILL come back; and with every surgery they will cause more adhesions and increased pain!! It's a catch 22 situation!!
H> Anyone who has had surgery--and they're experiencing chronic pain--will experience pain from the formation of adhesions!! The formation of adhesions is a natural function of the body - in its attempt to heal and protect itself. It is imperative for adhesion sufferers to accept responsibility for maintaining their health by doing their own research on adhesions and adhesion related disorder (ARD).
H> There are far too many doctors, who are not being totally honest with their patients! Some tell their patients that adhesions do not cause pain. This is not true - adhesions do cause pain!! Many doctors don't even bother to tell their patients about the risks of having surgery--and this is wrong!! Adhesions ARE one of the risks of surgery!! Everyone, who is considering elective surgery, has the right to be forewarned as to the risks of an elective surgical procedure!
H> Only by doing your own research--on adhesions and any associated problems such as constipation, adhesiolysis procedures, etc.--will you know what is fact and what isn't. Then, armed with the facts about ARD, you will be better prepared to discuss your ARD related problems with your doctor. Only after you have learned as much as you can about ARD, will you be able to make an informed and wise decisions regarding ARD.
" Could you email me with how to find an adhesion specialists who is doing the laparoscopic surgery? I would appreciate any information you could give us as her doctors just seem to think she should live with it."
H> There are no easy answers to ARD!! In the United States I know of only 3 surgeons, who are having good results with adhesiolysis procedures. They perform surgery in New York and Pennsylvania. I know of 2 surgeons in Germany, who can offer their patients the advantages of the NEW SprayGel Adhesion Barrier (http://www.confluentsurgical.com/ and a second look laparoscopy. It is far more expensive to have surgery in the United States. Your friend's best chance for a successful surgery is with the laparoscopic surgeons in Germany!! By the way, even these 5 surgeons are not able to guarantee the success of an adhesiolysis. If you want information about these surgeons, please let me know.