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Adhesion

Pelvic adhesion; Intraperitoneal adhesion; Intrauterine adhesion

Adhesions are bands of scar-like tissue that form between two surfaces inside the body and cause them to stick together.

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Pelvic adhesions

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Causes

With movement of the body, internal organs such as the bowel or uterus are normally able to shift and to slide past each other. This is because these tissues and organs in the abdominal cavity have smooth, slippery surfaces. Inflammation (swelling), surgery, or injury can cause adhesions to form and prevent this movement. Adhesions can occur almost anywhere in the body, including:

Adhesions can become larger or tighter over time. Problems may occur if the adhesions cause an organ or body part to:

The risk of forming adhesions is high after bowel or female organ surgeries. Surgery using a laparoscope is less likely to cause adhesions than open surgery.

Other causes of adhesions in the abdomen or pelvis include:

Adhesions around the joints may occur:

Symptoms

Adhesions in joints, tendons, or ligaments make it harder to move the joint. They may also cause pain.

Adhesions in the belly (abdomen) may cause a blockage of the intestines. Symptoms include:

Adhesions in the pelvis may cause long-term (chronic) pelvic pain.

Exams and Tests

Most of the time, the adhesions cannot be seen using x-rays or imaging tests.

Endoscopy (a way of looking inside the body using a flexible tube that has a small camera on the end) may help diagnose adhesions:

Treatment

Surgery may be done to separate the adhesions. This can let the organ regain normal movement and reduce symptoms. However, the risk for more adhesions goes up with more surgeries.

Depending on the location of the adhesions, a barrier may be placed at the time of surgery to help reduce the chance of the adhesions returning.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outcome is good in most cases.

Possible Complications

Adhesions can cause various disorders, depending on the tissues affected.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if you have:

Related Information

Appendicitis
Glaucoma
Intestinal obstruction and Ileus
Asherman syndrome

References

Kuemmerle JF. Inflammatory and anatomic diseases of the intestine, peritoneum, mesentery, and omentum. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 128.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Abdominal adhesions. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/abdominal-adhesions. Updated June 2019. Accessed June 3, 2024.

Yepuri N, Pruekprasert N. Cooney RN. Surgical complications. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 12.

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Review Date: 3/31/2024  

Reviewed By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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