Abdominal adhesion

Abdominal adhesion is a medical condition characterized by the formation of fibrous bands of tissue (scar tissue) between abdominal tissues and organs, which are normally separate. These adhesions can cause organs to stick (adhesion) together or to the wall of the abdomen.

Causes

Abdominal adhesions are typically caused by abdominal surgery, which triggers the body's normal healing process. Other causes can include inflammation from conditions such as appendicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease, abdominal trauma, and radiation therapy for cancer.

Symptoms

Symptoms of abdominal adhesions can vary greatly, but often include abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. In severe cases, adhesions can lead to intestinal obstruction, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of abdominal adhesions is often difficult, as the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. Medical imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI can be used to help diagnose adhesions, but often the condition is only definitively diagnosed during surgery.

Treatment

Treatment for abdominal adhesions often involves surgery to cut the adhesions away from the organs and tissues. This is known as adhesiolysis. However, surgery can also lead to the formation of new adhesions. Other treatments can include pain management and physical therapy.

Prevention

Prevention of abdominal adhesions is primarily focused on reducing the risk of abdominal surgery, using minimally invasive surgical techniques when possible, and managing inflammation and infection promptly to reduce the risk of adhesion formation.

See also

• Adhesion
• Scar tissue
• Abdominal surgery
• Inflammation
• Appendicitis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Abdominal trauma
• Radiation therapy
• Intestinal obstruction
• Adhesiolysis
• Pain management
• Physical therapy