Adhesions are stretchy or thick bands of connective tissue (like scar tissue developed after injury) which can be formed in the abdomen.

They stick the external parts of the organs not only with each other, but also with the abdominal walls.

What are the reasons for adhesions?

• •  Intra-abdominal surgical procedures. The more invasive is the surgery, the higher is the risk of adhesion presence
• •  Reproductive tract infections (especially fallopian tube infections caused by Chlamydia)
• •  Endometriosis
• •  Abdomen inflammation cases ( such as peritonitis or appendicitis)

What are the symptoms?

• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating (Abdomen inflation)
• Bowel dysfunction
• Unexplained infertility

Why could adhesions lead to infertility problems?

Adhesions could obstruct the ova (eggs) to get into fallopian tubes during ovulation. As a result, sperm cannot reach the egg and the conception cannot occur.

What is the most appropriate treatment?

The resection of adhesions is performed surgically (adhesiolysis).

The treatment of choice is the laparoscopy.

Firstly, the efficacy and accuracy of this method are really high due to direct visualization that laparoscopy provides us. Secondly, in most cases laparoscopy does not lead to new adhesions.

What could be done to prevent adhesions re-formation?

• Minimal invasion surgeries should be preferred
• Early diagnosis and treatment of i) abdominal infections, ii) pelvic infections, iii) endometriosis are recommended

I think that I have abdominal adhesions. What should I do?

Consult Dr. Marinakis a specialist Gynecologist - Endoscopic surgeon.

Doctor should examine you in order to be assured that there is an indication for a Laparoscopic surgery.

If they have discouraged you from Laparoscopy, and you do not have enough information not only about the indications of the procedure, but also about your plan of treatment, you might have been in the wrong place!

Overall, laparoscopy is a really safe procedure; however every single medical procedure is safe only if it is managed by a specialist.

Gynecologist Dr. Marinakis specialises in gynecological hysteroscopy. He is certified in advanced laparoscopy and hysteroscopy by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He was also a member of Laparoscopic training unit “MATTU” in United Kingdom.

How much does a laparoscopy cost?

The cost of a laparoscopic procedure is low and it usually depends on your health insurance cover.