adhesiolysis
Pronunciation: ad-HEE-zee-OL-ih-sis
Surgical division of adhesions (scar tissue bands) during minimally invasive procedures.
Full Definition
Adhesiolysis is the surgical process of dividing adhesions, which are fibrous bands of scar tissue that form between organs and tissues following inflammation, infection, or previous surgery. In minimally invasive surgery, adhesiolysis is often necessary to restore normal anatomy and achieve adequate visualization of the surgical field. The procedure requires careful dissection to avoid injury to underlying structures, particularly bowel. Electrocautery, sharp dissection, or ultrasonic devices may be used depending on the adhesion characteristics.
Usage
Usage note: Not hyphenated; refers specifically to surgical division, not spontaneous breakdown of adhesions.
In Context
- "Extensive adhesiolysis was required to mobilize the sigmoid colon safely." — Operative report
- "Sharp adhesiolysis was performed to avoid thermal injury to the bowel." — Surgical technique description