Adhesion (medicine)

An article about adhesions in medicine

Adhesion (medicine)

Adhesions in the abdominal cavity

In medicine, an adhesion is a band of scar tissue that binds two parts of tissue or organs together. Adhesions may form after surgery, infection, trauma, or radiation treatment. They can occur anywhere in the body but are most commonly found in the abdomen, pelvis, and heart.

Causes

Adhesions are often caused by the body's natural response to tissue damage. When tissues are damaged, the body initiates a healing process that involves the formation of scar tissue. This scar tissue can form adhesions that connect tissues that are not normally connected.

Common causes of adhesions include:

• Surgical procedures: Adhesions are a common complication of abdominal and pelvic surgeries.
• Infections: Infections can lead to inflammation and the formation of adhesions.
• Trauma: Physical injury can result in the development of adhesions.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation can damage tissues and lead to adhesion formation.

Symptoms

Adhesions themselves do not always cause symptoms. However, they can lead to complications such as:

• Chronic pain: Adhesions can cause persistent pain, especially if they restrict the movement of organs.
• Bowel obstruction: Adhesions in the abdomen can cause the intestines to twist or become blocked.
• Infertility: Pelvic adhesions can affect the fallopian tubes and uterus, leading to infertility.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing adhesions can be challenging because they are not visible on standard imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasound. However, they may be detected using:

• Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows direct visualization of the abdominal cavity.
• CT scan or MRI: These imaging techniques can sometimes suggest the presence of adhesions.

Treatment

Treatment for adhesions depends on the severity of symptoms and complications. Options include:

• Surgical intervention: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to cut the adhesions and relieve symptoms.
• Physical therapy: Techniques such as massage and stretching can help manage pain and improve mobility.
• Pain management: Medications and other therapies can help control pain associated with adhesions.

Prevention

While it is not always possible to prevent adhesions, certain strategies can reduce their risk:

• Minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery, can reduce tissue trauma and the likelihood of adhesion formation.
• Use of adhesion barriers during surgery to prevent tissues from sticking together.

Related pages

• Scar tissue
• Surgery
• Inflammation
• Chronic pain