Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
adhesiolysis
Pronunciation: ad-hee-see-AH-lih-sis
Surgical division of adhesions (scar tissue) between organs or structures.
Full Definition
A surgical procedure involving the careful division and removal of adhesions, which are fibrous bands of scar tissue that form between organs following surgery, infection, or inflammation. Adhesions commonly develop after abdominal surgery and may cause bowel obstruction, chronic pain, or infertility. The procedure requires meticulous technique to avoid injury to underlying organs, particularly bowel. Sharp dissection is preferred over electrocautery near the intestine. Extensive adhesiolysis may be required during repeat abdominal surgery.
Usage
Usage note: Plural is 'adhesiolyses'; avoid 'adhesion lysis' as separate words.
In Context
- "Extensive adhesiolysis was required to mobilize the bowel for safe resection." — Operative report
- "Sharp adhesiolysis performed to relieve small bowel obstruction from dense bands." — Emergency surgery note
Also known as
lysis of adhesions
adhesion division
Contrasted with
adhesion formation
Don't confuse with
adhesion
anastomosis