by “scar tissue” they probably are referring to adhesions – which are the closest resemblance to “scar tissue” These are bands of fibrous tissue that fries in response to injury or inflammation. This may cause obstruction of the bowel, with the vomiting and cramping that you describe.

I have had adhesions removed multiple times. I am 11 years post-op from gastric bypass and I will say that each time I am (and it’s true for anyone) operated on, my risk of adhesions increases. The only way to remove the scar tissue is through surgery so it’s a double edged sword.

Thank you for your input!

Thank you.

Surgery would probably worsen the condition. Tell your sister no popcorn, nuts, or anything with seeds. No raw veggies or beef. Texture of food is very important. I’ve had several small bowel obstructions and adhesions are easily inflamed by roughage. Best wishes to her. It’s hard on a sibling, too, huh?

I just got out of the hospital a few days ago. I went in with a small vowel partial obstruction. I had major surgery 6 y ago to remove colon(ulceratice colitis) and I now have what is called a j-pouch(internal pouch) in place of the colon. Ever since my surgey I end up in the emergency room once or twice a year with these obstructions. Some are worse than others but so far I have avoided surgery. I been told this could be due to scar tissue interfering with the intestine. A surgeon at the hospital told me that he might be able to do something about this to try and help by going in and cutting some of that scar tissue. He would do the surgery trought two small incisions on the sides. I am thinking about getting this surgery done in the next six months to see if it will help. No guarantees and any surgery will create more scar tissue ,so is a catch 22 !! but it might make things a bit better. The previous obstruction happened just 5 months ago ! so I will give this a try and see if it helps. I will consult with 2 or 3 surgeons before I do it to make sure I get the best advice possible. I also would like to hear from anyone that has had surgery to remove scar tissue. Thanks to anyone that responds, it would be very much appreciated…..

Forgot to ask . How did they determine that she had all that scar tissue?

I have same issue and getting laparoscopic surgery done in August. Keeping my fingers crossed.

So how do we resolve the problem? I'm scheduled for laparoscopic to remove the tissue. Is this going to return worse?

Hello @heid

I see that you have a question about adhesions/scar tissue. We have had many Members post about scar tissue problems. Since you posted in the Digestive Health discussion, I'm making the assumption that this might be a result of a previous digestive tract surgery. Is this correct?

Please share, only as you are comfortable doing so:
How long ago was your surgery?
What type of symptoms do you now have?
What has your doctor said about the possibility of a return of the scar tissue after the laparoscopic procedure?

I have terrible adhesion's caused by multiple surgeries for endometriosis. I had my last surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix last Nov 2018 & they excisioned what they could see but my adhesions are wrapped & twisted around other organs so when the dr. went to remove some, the small bowel tore & I have 2 stitches. It was not a successful surgery. It was suppose to be a Laparoscopy & I was so bad that they had to open me up all the way. I am worse now than I ever was & I think it messed up the nerves & muscles bc I always had a flat stomach & now it sticks out & I am in pain all the time. Now from the stomach & Neuropathy. Everybody is different but all I know is that surgery has made me worse for adhesion's.

@tigreyes2004 I am so sorry to hear your story. It's tough enough to make the decision to have surgery but to have been worse afterward than before must really be awful. I hope in time that something can be done to give you some relief.
JK

Hello @tigreyes2004

I would like to invite @thull to this discussion. She has had successful surgery for adhesions recently and she might be able to share some of that information with you.

I had surgery 1/7/19 at Mayo and they ended up doing Deloyers procedure. My issues were due to diverticulitis. It was my 4th surgery. I had a temporary colostomy for 6 months, they reversed it in July 2018, but then it failed due to poor blood flow. Diverticulitis came back 11/18 and then the subsequent surgery in Jan /19. They started laparoscopy, but due to adhesions had to open me completely back up. It took them 2+ hours to work on the adhesions. my small bowel was punctured during this. They fixed it and did the rest of the procedure. I have been doing really well all things considered. Going for follow up in a couple of weeks. My issue right now is it seems my stomach is not digesting very well. I was on clear liquids for so long, I think my stomach doesn’t process solid food very well. We will see what they want to do. I am thankful it seems like they were really able to clear the adhesions, and I haven’t had any issues.
I hope you get some relief!

Thank you for your story. My problems are related to endometriosis. That is what caused the scar tissue. Mine is so dense & plastered on other organs & all twisted.. I had a puncture of the bowel too & needed 2 stitches. All I know is I am worse off now & that the dr. at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix said no more surgery for adhesions bc it would do me more harm. I'm having high elevations of my Lipase & Amylace & they think there is something with the pancreas but don't know what is causing the high elevations & they are elevating more & more each month so I am a basket case. On top of all that I have neuropathy in my feet & legs so I am in pain all the time. Thank you for your support. Genie