Pathogenesis, consequences, and control of peritoneal adhesions in gynecologic surgery

Postoperative adhesions are a natural consequence of surgical tissue trauma and heating and may result in infertility, pain, and bowel obstruction. Adherence to microsurgical principles, minimally invasive surgery, and use of some peritoneal instillates may help to decrease postoperative adhesions. Some surgical barriers have been demonstrated effective for reducing postoperative adhesions, but there is no substantial evidence that their use improves fertility, decreases pain, or reduces the incidence of postoperative bowel obstruction. (Fertil Sterill (R) 2008;90: S144-9. (c) 2008 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)