Currently there are three adhesion barriers that have been approved by the FDA in the United States. They offer some protection; but they are not consistently successful in preventing the formation of adhesions. If applied incorrectly by the surgeon, these barriers can increase rather than decrease adhesion formation. NONE of these barriers are 100% successful
There are many other causes of adhesion formation too. Please go to the following web site for easy-to-understand information about the other causes of adhesions:
[] Patient Information Bulletin: Adhesions
http://www.adhesions.com/patient.html
There is ongoing clinical research to try to find a formula that will prevent the formation of adhesions. Some adhesion prevention products that continue to be in clinical research are: Intergel, SprayGel, Adept, and a few others.
Surgeons in Europe are able to use Intergel in their surgical procedures. SprayGel is expected to be market-approved in Europe, hopefully by the end of November. Neither product can be used in the United States. That is why I am going to Germany for my surgery, which is scheduled for January 2002.
Multiple surgeries - to attempt to rid the human body of adhesions - is not the answer; however, you do have three (3) options:
1.) PAIN MANAGEMENT is your best first option!! The best Pain Management centers offer many other therapies than drug therapy. How can a person find the right kind of Pain Management? The following web site offers the very best kind of pain management program - one that treats body, mind and spirit. I offer this web site as an example of what to look for in a pain management program; and I encourage you to explore the other topics, which are listed on the left side of this web page:
http://www.painphysicians.com/siteindex.html
"Complex pain problems first require a specialized, pain-oriented evaluation for successful management. Our goal is to determine what works best for the patient in order to reduce dependence on the health care system, avoid unnecessary surgery, and return patients to more productive living. We emphasize patient education and actively involve patients in their own recovery."
2.) Seek a surgeon, who specializes in adhesiolysis procedures. There are very few surgeons who are specializing in difficult, time-consuming adhesiolysis procedures!!! Right now I am only aware of 4 surgeons in the entire world. The following surgeons comprise R&R Adhesions: Drs. Reich, Redan and Gerhart. These three surgeons are very skilled and experienced laparoscopic surgeons!! They perform surgery at both Scranton, PA and Manhatten, NY. Dr. Korell, who is located at Duisburg, German, has been doing clinical research on adhesions for the past 20 years; and he is also a very skilled and experienced laparoscopic surgeon.
Now that you've read this far, go to the following web site and read this information over and over again - until the causes of adhesions are implanted in your mind. Once you thoroughly understand what the causes of adhesions are, you will begin to realize that multiple surgeries are not the answer!!!
http://www.ethiconinc.com/womens_health/product/adhesions/index.htm
3.) DO NOT DO ANYTHING!!! Do not let any doctor or surgeon talk you into a surgery or intimidate you!!! When and if you have read the above web sites, you will realize that another adhesiolysis procedure will only increase the formation of adhesions. Another surgery to lyse adhesions will not lessen your pain but will increase your pain and misery - and will definitely empty your pocketbook!!!!!!!!!