Adhesiolysis in India

Adhesions are tough, fibrous bands that form as the body heals after earlier surgery, infection or inflammation. They can tie loops of bowel to each other or to the abdominal wall. Many people have adhesions without any symptoms, so surgery is only offered when they clearly cause a problem.

The surgeon separates the bands carefully with fine scissors or an energy device, freeing the trapped organs. Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery is often possible, but dense adhesions after many operations may need an open cut. Adhesions can form again after any operation, including this one, so surgeons weigh the benefit carefully before advising it.

How this approach differs

Keyhole adhesiolysis suits people with fewer, thinner bands and allows faster recovery. Open surgery is chosen when there are many dense adhesions, a tight blockage or damaged bowel. The surgeon may start with keyhole surgery and switch to open if the view or safety is limited.

Who needs adhesiolysis

• Bowel obstruction (blockage) caused by adhesions that does not settle with rest and fluids
• Repeated episodes of partial blockage with swelling, vomiting and cramping
• Long-standing abdominal or pelvic pain where adhesions are the likely cause
• Infertility linked to adhesions around the fallopian tubes or ovaries
• Adhesions found during another planned operation that need freeing for safe access

How it is done

1. Scans such as a CT scan or contrast X-ray look for blockage and its likely site.
2. Under general anaesthesia, the surgeon enters the abdomen with a camera through small cuts, or through an open cut if needed.
3. Each band is identified and divided, keeping the bowel wall and blood vessels safe.
4. The whole bowel is checked for injury or poor blood supply before finishing.
5. In some cases an anti-adhesion barrier (a thin sheet or gel) is placed to reduce new bands forming.
6. Cuts are closed, and you are monitored until bowel function returns.

Before you travel to India

• Operation notes from every previous abdominal or pelvic surgery
• Recent CT scans or contrast X-rays on disc, with reports
• A list of current medicines, especially blood thinners
• Notes on past episodes of blockage, including hospital admissions
• For fertility cases, previous gynaecology and fertility reports

Recovery and flying home

• Hospital stay depends on whether keyhole or open surgery was used and how fast the bowel restarts
• Fluids come first, then soft food as bowel sounds and wind return
• Walking early helps the bowel recover and lowers clot risk
• Most international patients stay in India around one to two weeks before flying
• At home, report any return of vomiting, swelling or pain to your local doctor

Risks

• Accidental injury to the bowel, which may need repair
• Infection or bleeding
• New adhesions forming after surgery
• Pain that does not fully improve if adhesions were not the only cause
• Hernia at the wound site after open surgery

Alternatives

• Hospital care with a drip and a stomach tube for partial blockage, which often settles without surgery
• Pain management and dietary changes for mild symptoms
• Treating other causes of pain found during tests
• Watchful waiting when symptoms are infrequent

Hospitals in India for adhesiolysis

• Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
• AIG Hospitals, GachibowliHyderabad
• Aster MedcityKochi
• Artemis HospitalDelhi NCR
• Indraprastha Apollo HospitalsDelhi NCR
• BLK-Max Super Speciality HospitalDelhi NCR
• Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals, KolkataKolkata
• Continental HospitalsHyderabad
• Apollo Hospitals, Greams RoadChennai

How these hospitals compare

Specialists

• Dr Adarsh ChaudharyMedanta - The Medicity, Gurugram
• Dr Vivek VijFortis Hospital, Noida / Fortis Escorts Okhla / FMRI Gurugram
• Dr Aditya J NanavatiFortis Hospital, Mulund
• Dr Deepak SubramanianMGM Healthcare (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital)
• Dr Sadiq Saleem SikoraSakra World Hospital
• Dr Venugopal BLisie Hospital

Frequently asked questions

Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-27. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices