Suggest Remedy For Upper Left Quadrant Pain After Multiple Surgeries

Posted on Sat, 1 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 1 Aug 2015 Answered on

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I'm 47, have had multiple abdominal surgeries to include 4 cesareans, hysterectomy, hernia with bowel dissection, and last surgery three and half years ago to cut scar tissue away that had glued my liver and colon down causing pain. Now hurting every day for months in upper left quadrant of stomach. Feels like something glued or stuck again pains. Gallbladder is out too... Dr suggest laparoscopic procedure to fix again, I'm afraid this cycle will never end... Pain getting worse, CT doesn't show blockage. Any advice?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
adhesions is a chronic problem

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You are experiencing pain from adhesions which are a result of your prior surgeries. Unfortunately these adhesions are common and will reoccur at any time. If the adhesion causes pain or obstruction then they may need to be surgically removed. This is a never ending cycle but there is nothing you can do to prevent adhesions. I recommend if the pain is intolerable or if you have intractable nausea and vomiting then you should have surgery.

In summary
1. you are experiencing adhesions
2. adhesions caused by prior surgery
3. recurrence is very common
4. surgery is only indicated if you have severe pain or obstruction

I hop I answered your question. Please contact us again with your health care questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar