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

BACKGROUND: 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.

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

RESULTS: 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.

CONCLUSION: 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.