This document discusses laparoscopic techniques for treating small bowel obstructions caused by abdominal adhesions. It describes using an open technique for initial trocar insertion to reduce risk of bowel injury. Adhesiolysis is then performed using sharp dissection and atraumatic grasping of the bowel. Diffuse adhesions or injured bowel may require conversion to an open procedure. The optimal candidates are patients with a partial obstruction located by imaging. Complete adhesiolysis is important while avoiding thermal injury from cautery.

1. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis

3. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis for small bowel obstruction Alexander Nagle, M.D., Michael Ujiki, M.D., Woody Denham, M.D., Kenric Murayama, M.D.* The American Journal of Surgery 187 (2004) 464–470

6. Laparoscopic compared with conventional treatment of acute adhesive small bowel obstruction C. Wullstein and E. Gross British Journal of Surgery 2003; 90 : 1147–1151

7. Results after laparoscopic lysis of adhesions and placement of Seprafilm for intractable abdominal pain L. Khaitan, S. Scholz, H. L. Houston, W. O. Richards Surg Endosc (2003) 17: 247–253

8. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis for chronic abdominal pain is not indicated D. Swank* International Congress Series 1279 (2005) 85– 89

9. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis for recurrent small bowel obstruction: long-term follow-up Yoshiaki Sato, MD, Endoscopy 0016-5107/2001/ 1. A, Laparoscopic view of single band adhesion. B, Laparoscopic view of convoluted mass of adherent bowel.

10. Tips &Tricks in Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis

12. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis for small bowel obstruction Alexander Nagle, M.D., Michael Ujiki, M.D., Woody Denham, M.D., Kenric Murayama, M.D.* The American Journal of Surgery 187 (2004) 464–470

46. Laparoscopic Management of Small Bowel Obstruction: Indications and Outcome Enrique Luque-de Ledn, M.D., Altjandro Metzger, M.D., Gregory G. Tsotos, M.D., J GASTROINTEST SURG 1998;2:132-140.)