Adhesions: Scar-Like Bands That Stick Organs Together

Adhesions are bands of scar-like tissue. Normally, the surfaces of internal tissues and organs are slippery, so they can shift as the body moves; adhesions make them stick together.

Where they form

Adhesions can form anywhere in the body, but most often after surgery on the abdomen — almost everyone who has abdominal surgery gets them. They may join loops of intestine to each other, to nearby organs, or to the wall of the abdomen, and can pull sections of intestine out of place, which may stop food passing through.

Symptoms

Many adhesions cause no problems. When they partly or completely block the intestine, symptoms include:

• severe abdominal pain or cramping;
• vomiting;
• bloating;
• being unable to pass gas;
• constipation.

Adhesions can sometimes cause infertility in women, by preventing fertilised eggs from reaching the uterus.

Diagnosis

There is no test for adhesions. Doctors usually find them during surgery for other problems.

Treatment

• Some adhesions go away on their own.
• If they partly block the intestine, a low-fibre diet can help food move through the affected area.
• A complete intestinal blockage is life-threatening: get medical help at once. Surgery may be needed.

Sources

• "Adhesions," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, drawing on the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH). https://medlineplus.gov/adhesions.html
• Rewritten in hubnx's own words.