From the Guidelines
To reduce scar tissue buildup after surgery inside your body, the most effective approach is to use adhesion barriers, such as hyaluronate carboxymethylcellulose, which has been shown to be more efficacious in preventing adhesion reformation compared to other barriers like icodextrin 1. When considering treatment options, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider about the best course of action. Some possible treatments include:
- Physical therapy to help break down internal adhesions through specific exercises and stretching techniques
- Massage therapy, particularly deep tissue massage, to soften and remodel internal scar tissue
- Medications such as corticosteroids or pentoxifylline to reduce inflammation and promote healing
- Maintaining good nutrition with adequate protein, vitamin C, and zinc to support proper healing It's also important to note that minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as laparoscopy, may help reduce adhesion formation and the risk of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) 1. Additionally, the use of adjuvants like adhesion barriers can help prevent adhesion formation and related complications 1. Early intervention is crucial in addressing scar tissue, as it can help prevent excessive scarring and promote better outcomes. In terms of specific treatments, oral pentoxifylline (400mg three times daily) or silicone-based products may be prescribed for certain types of scarring, and some doctors might recommend injectable corticosteroids directly into problematic scar tissue. Overall, a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, early intervention, and a range of treatment options can help reduce scar tissue buildup and promote optimal healing.
From the FDA Drug Label
Pentoxifylline administration has been shown to produce dose-related hemorrheologic effects, lowering blood viscosity, and improving erythrocyte flexibility. Leukocyte properties of hemorrheologic importance have been modified in animal and in vitro human studies Pentoxifylline has been shown to increase leukocyte deformability and to inhibit neutrophil adhesion and activation.
The answer to getting rid of scar tissue build up after an operation inside the body is not directly addressed by the pentoxifylline drug label 2.
- No direct information is provided on how to reduce scar tissue.
- The label discusses the effects of pentoxifylline on blood flow, viscosity, and tissue oxygenation, but does not mention scar tissue reduction.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Scar Tissue Buildup
- Nonsurgical management options, such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, calcitonin, ultrasonography-guided hydrodissection, and hyaluronic acid injections, may help reduce scar tissue buildup and alleviate symptoms 3
- Soft tissue mobilization (STM) techniques have been shown to be effective in reducing adhesion-related pain and improving function in the abdomen, with preliminary strong evidence for benefits in acute post-surgical adhesions and moderate evidence for benefits in chronic post-surgical and non-surgical adhesions 4
- Corticosteroid injections may provide short-term improvements in pain and range of motion for conditions such as adhesive capsulitis, subacromial impingement syndrome, and carpal tunnel syndrome, but may have limited long-term benefits and a high rate of symptom recurrence for other conditions like medial and lateral epicondylitis 5
Postoperative Care
- Early physical therapy is recommended as part of postoperative care to promote recovery and reduce the risk of complications 3
- Soft tissue mobilization techniques may also be beneficial in the postoperative period to reduce adhesion-related symptoms and improve function 4
Potential Benefits and Risks
- Treatment options like corticosteroid injections and surgical intervention may have potential benefits, but also carry risks of complications such as fracture, glenoid and labral injuries, neurapraxia, and rotator cuff pathology 3
- Soft tissue mobilization techniques are generally considered to be a low-risk treatment option, but may not be suitable for all patients and should be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional 4