Caudal Lysis of Adhesions

Caudal Lysis of Adhesions
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Why the Procedure is Done

Lysis of adhesions is used as a pain management technique. Adhesions refers to scar tissue and lysis is the cutting removal of it. This may be done for cosmetic purposes as well. Caudal lysis of adhesions is also known by other names such as caudal adhesiolysis, caudal epidural lysis of adhesions, adhesiolysis, and epidural adhesiolysis.

Necessary Prepartion

Before the procedure is done, the doctor will want to do an exam and will likely order testing to be sure it is needed and to access the potential helpfulness of such a procedure. Other steps will include following instructions from the doctor such as arranging a ride to and from the hospital, when to take currently prescribed medications and when to stop (prior to the procedure), as well as eating and fluid intake. It is important for the patient to ask the doctor questions relevant to their own situation and lifestyle during this pre-op consultation so nothing is missed.

Risks

Risk factors in this procedure (as with many others) include obesity, pre-existing conditions and smoking. These risks should be discussed with the treating physician before the procedure is scheduled and performed. Patients with these and other risk factors may be asked to postpone the surgery or to make specific changes prior to the day of the procedure in order to reduce the risk.

Recovery

As with any recovery process, the most important thing you can do is follow your doctor’s directions carefully, asking questions about anything that is not clear or that you do not understand.

Typically these instructions will include keeping the incision site clean and dry and the patient avoiding heavy lifting. Another is to take all prescribed medications as directed. Ask your physician about taking them along with any previously prescribed medications.

Resources:

Lysis of Adhesions (Cutting Adhesions, Adhesiolysis). Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH. June 22, 2008. Third Age. https://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/lysis-of-adhesions-cutting-adhesions-adhesiolysis

Lysis of Adhesions. Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH. Mississippi Baptist Health Systems, Inc. Last reviewed October 2009 by Ronald Nath, MD and Brian P. Randall, MD. https://www.mbhs.org/healthgate/GetHGContent.aspx?token=9c315661-83b7-472d-a7ab-bc8582171f86&chunkiid=100928

A Patient’s Guide to Adhesions & Related Pain or . . . or You Are Not Alone. David M. Wiseman, PhD, MRPharm S. https://www.adhesions.org/ptguide_print.htm