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Adhesion

Definition

Adhesions are bands of scar-like tissue that form between two surfaces inside the body.

Alternative Names

Pelvic adhesion; Intraperitoneal adhesion; Intrauterine adhesion

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Inflammation, surgery, or injury can cause tissues to bond to other tissue or organs, much like the process of forming scar tissue. Sometimes, adhesions can form between the two surfaces. Other causes of adhesions include:

• Abdominal surgery
• Appendicitis
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the disorder or event that caused the adhesion.

Signs and tests

Physical examination varies depending on where the adhesion is located. The health care provider may recommend procedures such as:

• Hysterosalpingography
• Hysteroscopy
• Laparoscopy

Treatment

Surgery may be done to separate the adhesions. This often allows normal movement of the organ and reduces the symptoms caused by the adhesion. However, the risk for more adhesions increases as the number of surgeries increases.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome is usually good.

Complications

Depending on the tissues involved, adhesions can cause various disorders. In the eye, adhesion of the iris to the lens can lead to glaucoma. In the intestines, adhesions can cause partial or complete bowel obstruction.

Adhesions inside the uterine cavity, called Asherman syndrome, can cause a woman to have irregular menstrual cycles and be unable to get pregnant.

Pelvic adhesions that involve scarring of the fallopian tubes can lead to infertility and reproductive problems.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have:

• Abdominal pain
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Unexplained fever

Review Date:2/5/2008
Reviewed By:Peter Chen, MD, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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