Scar tissue after colon resection causing bowel obstruction

I developed an adhesion caused bowel obstruction 3 months after my two surgeries to remove a tumor in my sigmoid. I was kept on NG tube and no food for a week to see if it would clear. Ultimately, I ended up with surgery (laporoscopic) and he spent multiple hours removing adhesions and scar tissue. Ultimately, during that surgery, my bowel was cut and I developed some complications but have not had any issues since (that was in 2019). My colonoscopy shows that there is no narrowing of my small bowel. They removed quite a bit of small bowel and then more later when I had a perforation

Yes, it is a real concern. In my case, the dilatation did work. I wasn't put on steroids, just had several dilatations over a few months, with a balloon and manually. That was six years ago.
Last fall I had another polyp removed in the same area and was very worried the same thing would happen, but thankfully, it didn't happen this time.
I wish you well, good luck with it!

This is sounding very familiar to what is happening to me. I had bowel surgery due to bowel perforation during colonoscopy 9 years ago. 3 years ago during colonoscopy my gastroenterologist had to use a balloon to open the scar tissue area more. Last week he had to do this again and now has me on steroids for a month to help this to stay. My surgery was a right hemicolectomy so in the cecum area. I am very concerned that this scar tissue is becoming an issue where I could end up needing surgery again, which is a terrifying thought to me. How have you done since your last procedure? I know its not in the same area as mine but curious if your dilation has worked.

Hi Kim, there is limited research on the benefits of serrapeptase. Small studies have researched its potential as an anti-inflammatory that may reduce pain and swelling. Serrapeptase should not be taken along with blood thinners — such as Warfarin and aspirin.

Because more research is needed to confirm the efficacy and long-term safety of serrapeptase, it is best to discuss with your doctor before using.

Has anyone used Serapeptidaise after surgery? It is a protealytic enzyme that dissolves any nonliving scar tissue.

My bowel became obstructed due to scar tissue after colon surgery to remove a large polyp. I had to undergo a series of dilatation procedures to stretch the tissue manually, very gradually working up to normal circumference. This worked. The surgery and therefore, the scar tissue, was low down, near the rectum. I don't know if dilatations are workable higher up in the colon.

Trishanna, apologies for the delayed response. I’m not sure about the application in the case of partial blockage. Have you had a chance to talk about it with your physician?

I am very interested in this topic. My husband had a tumor removed from the sigmoid area of the colon one year and 3 months ago. We have been in the ER twice due, in 6 week, due to a bowel “blockage”, however physically the source is unseen by scans and X-rays with contrast. He feels strongly it is scar tissue and he was also born with gastroscesis (intestines on outside at birth) and adhesion removal alone took 3 hours before the removal of the tumor could be removed. My husband is “managing” daily with softeners, lactulose, gas x and when needed Linzess is his last attempt to get movement. We are focusing on completing two remaining chemo treatments for his colon cancer and remaining off Avastin in the event an urgent surgery is needed. (Surgery requires being off this chemical for several weeks so we are being cautious). After which we hope to focus on the blockage which will likely return. I hope this is helpful to others and would like to see this topic grow with more similar experiences. Thank you.

@colleenyoung very interesting. Does the same apply to partial blockage?

Same happened to me! Reconnection failed due to scar tissue! No major problems with colonostomy! Was m 65! Glad I didn’t try again! Am 70 now!