Quality of life, functional status and adhesiolysis during elective abdominal surgery

Adhesiolysis during abdominal surgery can cause iatrogenic organ injury, increased operative time and a more complicated convalescence. We assessed the impact of adhesiolysis and adhesiolysis-related complications on quality of life and functional status following elective abdominal surgery.

Prospective cohort study, comparing patients requiring and not requiring adhesiolysis during an elective laparotomy or laparoscopy using the SF-36 and DASI questionnaire scores.

518 patients were included. Pre- and postoperative quality of life did not significantly differ between both groups. Patients with adhesiolysis had a significantly lower pre- and postoperative functional status (p < 0.01). Higher age, concomitant pulmonary disease, postoperative complications, readmissions and chronic abdominal pain 6 months after surgery were all associated with a significant and independent decline in quality of life and functional status six months after surgery.

Adhesiolysis in itself does not affect functional status and quality of life six months after surgery. Postoperative complications, readmissions and chronic abdominal pain are associated with a lower health status.