Surgical Adhesions Project Information Sheet

Surgical adhesions impose a profound and multifaceted impact on both individual health outcomes and the broader healthcare infrastructure. These fibrous bands, which may develop between tissues and organs after surgical interventions, represent a critical postoperative complication with far-reaching implications. Typically manifesting within the abdominal, pelvic, and cardiac regions, adhesions can aberrantly connect otherwise distinct anatomical structures, precipitating a spectrum of medical complications. The formation of adhesions following abdominal and pelvic surgeries is notably prevalent, contributing to chronic pain, infertility, and bowel obstruction, thereby necessitating further surgical interventions.

Such conditions, not only degrade the quality of life for those affected but also, engender substantial economic ramifications. The direct financial burdens stem from the costs associated with the treatment and management of adhesions, including surgical procedures to address complications. Indirectly, the healthcare system bears additional strains through extended hospitalizations, escalated readmission rates, and augmented morbidity. Collectively, these aspects underscore the importance of developing and implementing strategies to mitigate the incidence and severity of surgical adhesions, thereby alleviating their extensive impact on patients worldwide.

Worsening Quality of Life

Surgical adhesions have a detrimental effect on patients' quality of life. Chronic pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, and reduced fertility are among the myriad challenges faced by those with adhesions. The physical discomfort and emotional distress associated with these conditions often lead to prolonged recovery times, impacting patients' personal and professional lives. Evidence suggests abdominal adhesions develop in over 90% of individuals undergoing open abdominal surgery. Additionally, the incidence of adhesions is about 66% after gastrointestinal surgery, 51% after obstetric and gynecological surgery, and 22% after urological surgery (NIH, 2024).

Economic Impact

The economic impact of surgical adhesions is profound, with healthcare costs escalating into billions annually worldwide. In the US, the economic impact of adhesions is profound, with more than US$2 billion in healthcare costs incurred annually due to complications related to surgical adhesions within the hospital setting​, not including patient expenses such as medication, lifestyle changes, and work missed. The cost implications are multifaceted, encompassing surgical management of adhesions, treatment of related complications, and lost productivity. A single surgery to treat adhesions can cost patients and providers thousands of dollars, with the overall expenditure for adhesion-related readmissions and treatments contributing significantly to rising healthcare expenses.

The complex challenges posed by adhesions call for a unified approach involving healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers. There exists an imperative need for the establishment of an Adhesions Improvement Project Expert Panel, dedicated to leading the charge in formulating strategies aimed at the prevention, early detection, and the development of innovative treatment methodologies. Participation in this panel provides a unique opportunity for experts to make substantial contributions toward enhancing patient care, with the potential to significantly diminish the incidence of adhesions and their consequent burdens on healthcare resources, while notably ameliorating the quality of life for countless patients.

The issues surrounding surgical adhesions, while daunting, also present an unparalleled opportunity for collaborative ingenuity within the healthcare domain. By engaging in the Surgical Adhesions Improvement Project Summit, professionals are positioned to fundamentally alter patient care outcomes and redefine the standards of surgical practice. United in this endeavor, we possess the capacity to confront this critical healthcare dilemma, thereby forging a future characterized by more efficacious treatment modalities and strategies for prevention. This collective effort promises not only to advance the field of surgical care but also to enhance the overall well-being of patients on a global scale.