Surgery


is simplifying language. Medical terminology can unintentionally create barriers to understanding. Rather than using highly clinical explanations, providers can describe adhesions using language that helps patients connect the concept to something more familiar and understandable. Healthcare organisations can also reinforce education across multiple touchpoints. Patients absorb information differently, especially when navigating the stress and complexity of surgery. Relying on a single pre-operative discussion may not be sufficient. Educational materials, digital resources, videos, post-operative instructions and multi-disciplinary care teams can all support reinforcement. Nurses, surgical co-ordinators and patient educators may also play a significant role in helping patients better understand post-operative healing and reduction strategies. Technology can further support these efforts. Patient portals, pre-operative education platforms and digital recovery tools offer opportunities to provide accessible, standardised educational content before and after surgery. Importantly, education strategies should account for health literacy differences among patients. Materials should be easy to understand, culturally sensitive and accessible across varying literacy levels and languages.


Practical steps for improving awareness and reduction Small, practical steps can make a meaningful difference when applied consistently across the surgical pathway. l Patient education can begin early, with adhesions introduced as part of pre- operative counselling in clear, non-technical language. Revisiting the topic at key touchpoints — such as pre-assessment clinics or discharge discussions — reinforces understanding without causing alarm.


l Alignment across the care team is equally important. When surgeons, nurses and allied health professionals deliver consistent messages, patients receive clearer and more credible information. Embedding adhesion awareness within multi-disciplinary practice reinforces the idea that reduction and education are collective responsibilities.


l A proactive mindset toward reduction is also essential. While adhesions cannot be completely avoided, awareness of risk factors and reduction strategies allows teams to consider adhesion reduction as part of broader surgical quality improvement. This shifts the focus from reacting to complications to anticipating and mitigating their impact.


Adhesions are a known complication of surgery, discussed routinely in clinical literature but largely invisible to patients. That asymmetry is a choice, not a necessity.


Looking ahead As surgical techniques and patient expectations continue to evolve, so too must the conversations that surround them. Closing the education gap around adhesion reduction requires greater consistency, clearer communication and a broader recognition that patient understanding matters long after surgery ends. The reality is that adhesions remain a common part of surgical healing. Yet for many patients, they are still a largely invisible issue until complications emerge. By bringing adhesion awareness and reduction into more routine conversations, healthcare providers have an opportunity to strengthen trust and support more informed patient experiences. Improving education is key, empowering patients with knowledge, fostering shared decision-making, and helping individuals better understand the full scope of their surgical care. Adhesions are a known complication of


surgery, discussed routinely in clinical literature but largely invisible to patients. That asymmetry is a choice, not a necessity. As healthcare moves toward genuine transparency, shared decision- making and improved outcomes, adhesion awareness and reduction cannot remain an exception. It belongs in the same conversation as consent, recovery and risk. Normalising that discussion is not a communication exercise but should be standard of care.


References 1. Morris RJ 3rd, Nori T, Sandler AD, Kofinas P. Postoperative Adhesions: Current Research on Mechanisms, Therapeutics and Preventative Measures. Biomed Mater Devices. 2025 Sep;3(2):897-937. doi: 10.1007/s44174-024- 00236-7. Epub 2024 Sep 17. PMID: 40881991; PMCID: PMC12381945.


2. Sturm MCK, Abazid A, Stope MB. Tissue adhesion after surgical interventions (Review). Exp Ther Med. 2025 Mar 17;29(5):97. doi: 10.3892/etm.2025.12847. PMID: 40165802; PMCID: PMC1195


3. Postoperative Adhesions: Current Research on Mechanisms, Therapeutics and Preventative Measures - PMC


4. Kavic SM, Kavic SM. Adhesions and adhesiolysis: the role of laparoscopy. JSLS. 2002 Apr-Jun;6(2):99-109. PMID: 12113430; PMCID: PMC30434


5. Krielen P, Stommel M, Pargmae P, et al. July 2026 I www.clinicalservicesjournal.com 15


Adhesion-related readmissions after open and laparoscopic surgery: a retrospective cohort study (SCAR update), The Lancet, 395, 33-41


6. ten Broek RP, Issa Y, van Santbrink EJ, Bouvy ND, Kruitwagen RF, Jeekel J, Bakkum EA, Rovers MM, van Goor H. Burden of adhesions in abdominal and pelvic surgery: systematic review and met-analysis. BMJ. 2013 Oct 3;347:f5588. doi: 10.1136/bmj.f5588. PMID: 24092941; PMCID: PMC3789584.


7. Ibid. 8. Understanding adhesion formation, version 1 - Health Research Authority


About the author CSJ


Dr. Natalia Peres Martinez is a physician– surgeon with experience across the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, working at the intersection of clinical medicine, translational science and Medical Affairs strategy. With a background in general surgery and cancer molecular biology, she has contributed to therapeutic areas including cardiovascular care, advanced surgery, biosurgery and patient blood management. At Baxter, Dr. Peres Martinez serves as


Associate Director, Medical Liaison, where she supports Medical Affairs initiatives focused on evidence generation, healthcare professional education and compliant scientific exchange. Her work helps bridge scientific insights with clinical practice to advance patient care. She is passionate about advancing patient safety, strengthening scientific rigor and supporting meaningful healthcare innovation. Having worked across the United States and South America, she brings a global perspective and a strong focus on translating science into improved patient outcomes.


UKI-00-260018 v1.0 06/2026


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