Abdominal surgery, based on the Merck Manual of Medical Information Second Home Edition and supported by the National Institutes of Health, is a medical procedure that involves opening of the abdomen and its surrounding areas. Abdominal surgery also covers diagnosis of organs contained in the abdomen, opening of blockages, implantation of artificial materials and abdominal tissue removal. This major surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia in an operating room by a team of doctors. There are several complications of abdominal surgery.
Abdominal Adhesions
Bands of tissue that form between the internal organs and the abdomen called abdominal adhesions are a possible complication of abdominal surgery, as mentioned in the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse and supported by the National Institutes of Health. Under normal circumstances, internal tissues in the abdomen have slippery surfaces, but with abdominal adhesion, tissues and organs stick together. A major contributing factor to this condition is the tissue incision and handling of internal organs that happens during abdominal surgery. There is also a risk for these internal tissues and organs to dry out.
Hernia
According to Medline Plus, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health, hernia is one of the complications of abdominal surgery. A hernia is a sac formed in the lining of the abdominal cavity, which passes through a weak area. Hernias can appear on different areas of the body such as the belly button, upper thigh and groin. Abdominal surgery can potentially increase pressure on the abdominal wall tissue and muscles that leads to hernias.
Breathing Problems
Breathing problems are one of the possible complications of abdominal surgery, as described in Medline Plus. Aside from the muscles in the chest, the abdominal muscles also facilitate breathing. One of the factors that allow the lungs to expand is the diaphragm; abdominal surgery can affect this muscle and restrict inhalations and exhalations.
Bleeding
Based on Medline Plus, bleeding is one of the complications of abdominal surgery. Bleeding from the incision site or abdominal wound can occur during this surgery. Tubes can be used to drain blood and manage the condition. Blood transfusion can be prescribed if bleeding persists and becomes severe.
Infection
According to Medline Plus, infection is a possible abdominal surgery complication. Infection can occur at the incision site, abdominal tissue or internal organs. Infection may be caused by leakage of stomach and intestinal contents as well as contamination of opportunistic bacteria. Antibiotics are usually given to manage infection.
