Illustration of methylene blue being used during surgery to prevent adhesions.

Can Methylene Blue Prevent Post-Surgery Adhesions?

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study explores the potential of methylene blue in reducing recurrent intra-abdominal adhesions after surgery, offering hope for patients seeking relief from this common complication."

Surgery, while often life-saving, can sometimes lead to unexpected complications. One of the most common of these is the formation of peritoneal adhesions – scar-like tissue that develops inside the abdomen after an operation. These adhesions can cause chronic pain, bowel obstruction, and even female infertility, turning what was meant to be a solution into a new set of problems.

For years, surgeons have sought effective ways to prevent these adhesions. Now, a recent study published in the Journal of International Medical Research suggests a promising new approach: the use of methylene blue during surgery. This article delves into the details of this research, exploring how methylene blue might help reduce the recurrence of intra-abdominal adhesions and improve patient outcomes.

We'll break down the key findings, explain the potential benefits, and discuss what this could mean for individuals facing the prospect of abdominal surgery. Our aim is to provide clear, accessible information that empowers you to understand the science and make informed decisions about your health.

Methylene Blue: A Potential Game-Changer in Adhesion Prevention?

Illustration of methylene blue being used during surgery to prevent adhesions.

The study, conducted by researchers in Romania, focused on patients with a history of multiple surgeries who had developed recurrent intra-abdominal adhesions. These patients underwent adhesiolysis – a surgical procedure to remove adhesions – with the added step of administering 1% methylene blue into the abdominal cavity.

The results were encouraging. During a follow-up period of over two years, the majority of patients who received methylene blue during their adhesiolysis surgery experienced fewer symptoms associated with adhesion complications, such as chronic abdominal pain and bowel obstruction.

Reduced Symptom Recurrence: Methylene blue appears to significantly decrease the recurrence of adhesion-related symptoms.
Prevention of Adhesion Formation: The study suggests a beneficial effect in preventing new adhesion formation.
Improved Patient Outcomes: Patients experienced a longer period without adhesion-related complications.

While the precise mechanism isn't fully understood, researchers believe methylene blue may work by reducing inflammation, promoting fibrinolysis (the breakdown of blood clots), and preventing collagen formation – all key processes involved in adhesion development.

What Does This Mean for You?

This study offers a glimmer of hope for individuals who have suffered from recurrent post-operative adhesions. Methylene blue shows promise as a simple, cost-effective way to reduce the risk of adhesion formation during abdominal surgery.

It's important to remember that this is just one study, and more research is needed to confirm these findings and fully understand the long-term effects of methylene blue. The study also had some limitations, including a relatively small sample size and the lack of a control group.

If you're scheduled for abdominal surgery, or if you've had previous surgeries and are concerned about adhesions, talk to your surgeon. Ask them about the potential benefits and risks of using methylene blue, and whether it might be a suitable option for you. Being informed and proactive is the best way to ensure a smooth recovery and minimize the risk of complications.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1177/0300060517727694, Alternate LINK

Title: Use Of Methylene Blue In The Prevention Of Recurrent Intra-Abdominal Postoperative Adhesions

Subject: Biochemistry (medical)

Journal: Journal of International Medical Research

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Octavian C. Neagoe, Mihaela Ionica, Octavian Mazilu

Published: 2017-08-31

Everything You Need To Know

What is Methylene Blue, and how is it used in this context?

The study explores the use of Methylene Blue in preventing post-operative adhesions. These adhesions are scar-like tissues that can form inside the abdomen after surgery, leading to chronic pain, bowel obstruction, and potentially female infertility. The research focuses on patients who have had multiple surgeries and developed recurrent intra-abdominal adhesions. Using Methylene Blue is a simple, cost-effective approach to reduce the risk of adhesion formation during abdominal surgery.

How might Methylene Blue work to prevent adhesions?

Methylene Blue may prevent post-operative adhesions by reducing inflammation, promoting fibrinolysis (the breakdown of blood clots), and preventing collagen formation. These are key processes involved in adhesion development. The researchers administered 1% Methylene Blue into the abdominal cavity during adhesiolysis. This is the procedure to remove existing adhesions. The study showed that patients experienced fewer symptoms and a longer period without adhesion-related complications when Methylene Blue was used.

What are intra-abdominal adhesions, and why are they a problem?

Intra-abdominal adhesions are scar-like tissues that can form inside the abdomen after an operation. These adhesions can cause chronic pain, bowel obstruction, and even female infertility. The formation of Peritoneal adhesions is a common complication of surgery. This new research explores the potential of using Methylene Blue during adhesiolysis to reduce the recurrence of these adhesions.

Who was involved in the study, and what did they do?

The study involved patients with a history of multiple surgeries and recurrent intra-abdominal adhesions. These patients underwent adhesiolysis. During the procedure, 1% Methylene Blue was administered into the abdominal cavity. The results indicated that the use of Methylene Blue led to a decrease in adhesion-related symptoms and complications. The researchers found that patients experienced a longer period without adhesion-related complications.

What are the main takeaways from the study on Methylene Blue?

The key findings of the study suggest that Methylene Blue can significantly decrease the recurrence of adhesion-related symptoms, prevent the formation of new adhesions, and improve patient outcomes. Patients experienced a longer period without complications when Methylene Blue was administered. This offers hope for individuals who have suffered from recurrent post-operative adhesions. This approach presents a simple, cost-effective method to reduce the risk of adhesion formation during abdominal surgery.