PLANO ADHESIOLYSIS TREATMENT

Adhesiolysis is a method of removing or dividing adhesions to provide therapeutic pain relief. This treatment, which Dr. Rodriguez and his team offer at the Pain Relief Center in Plano, is an evidence-based method for longterm pain relief. 

Adhesions are bands of scar tissue. These adhesions form as part of the body’s natural repair mechanism in response to any tissue disturbance. Examples of tissue disturbance that can result in adhesions are:

• Surgery
• Infections
• Pathologies Like Endometriosis
• Radiation
• Trauma

Adhesions can appear as thin, avascular sheets of tissue, similar to plastic wrap. They can also be thick, vascular fibrous bands of tissue. These are the more severe adhesions and are more difficult to remove. 

In certain areas, the presence of adhesions can be painful and uncomfortable. They can interrupt normal anatomy and organ function.

For example, in patients who have had low-back surgery, adhesions can form in the epidural space. The adhesions can entrap nerves in this space. In cases like these, epidural steroid injections may not work, because the adhesions prevent the medication from spreading. 

In some cases, adhesions can form without any trauma, but usually, there is some injury to the tissue. Adhesions can bind your organs together and even cause life-threatening injuries like bowel obstruction. 

Adhesiolysis is a minimally invasive procedure that dissolves or completely decreases inflammation resulting from an adhesion. It takes the form of an injection.

As we mentioned earlier, patients suffering from adhesions aren’t always eligible for regular epidural injections. Dr. Rodriguez will administer an adhesiolysis injection through the sacral hiatus. This is a small opening above the tailbone. 

Like all surgical procedures, there are potential risks when patients undergo adhesiolysis. These risks include:

• Bleeding
• Allergic Reaction
• Instances of Discomfort

Here's how adhesiolysis works: You will be laying on your stomach for the procedure. Dr. Rodriguez will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area above your tailbone. 

With X-ray guidance, Dr. Rodriguez will guide a needle into your epidural space. He will place a soft, flexible catheter called a Racz catheter through the needle. Under X-ray guidance, Dr. Rodriguez can advance the Racz catheter further into the epidural space. 

To further guide the procedure, there will be contrast dye in the injection as well as the necessary medications. The presence of the contrast dye will ensure the medication spreads properly.  

The medications in this injection will decrease inflammation and break up the adhesions. Once Dr. Rodriguez removes the needle, he will apply a sterile dressing to the area.

Recovery from adhesiolysis is relatively simple. Complete recovery takes between one and two weeks.