adhesiolysis
Pronunciation: ad-HEE-zee-oh-LIE-sis
The surgical division of fibrous bands or scar tissue connecting normally separate anatomic structures.
Full Definition
Adhesiolysis is the surgical procedure involving the careful division of adhesions, which are fibrous bands of scar tissue that abnormally connect organs or structures that should normally be separate. These adhesions commonly result from previous surgery, infection, or inflammatory processes. In oncologic surgery, adhesiolysis may be necessary to safely mobilize organs for resection, but must be performed carefully to avoid injury to underlying structures that may be intimately involved with the scar tissue. The extent of adhesiolysis required can significantly impact operative time and complexity of the procedure.
Usage
Usage note: Refers specifically to division of scar tissue, not normal anatomic dissection.
In Context
- "Extensive adhesiolysis was required to mobilize the bowel loops from previous surgical sites." — Operative report
- "Sharp adhesiolysis minimized thermal injury during the complex abdominal exploration." — Surgical technique note