Abdominal adhesions

Abdominal adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between abdominal tissues and organs. Normally, internal tissues and organs have slippery surfaces that allow them to move easily as the body moves. Adhesions cause tissues and organs in the abdomen to stick together, which can lead to various complications.

### Key Points About Abdominal Adhesions:

1. Causes:

1. Surgery: The most common cause of abdominal adhesions is surgery. Nearly every abdominal surgery leads to some degree of adhesion formation.
2. Infection: Infections within the abdomen, such as peritonitis, can also lead to adhesion formation.
3. Inflammation: Conditions that cause inflammation in the abdomen, like appendicitis or endometriosis, can result in adhesions.

2. Symptoms:

1. Chronic Abdominal Pain: Adhesions can cause pain by pulling on nerves or restricting movement of organs.
2. Bowel Obstruction: Adhesions are a common cause of small bowel obstruction, which can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and inability to pass gas or stool.
3. Infertility: In women, adhesions involving the reproductive organs can cause infertility by obstructing the fallopian tubes or distorting the anatomy.

3. Diagnosis:

1. Imaging: While adhesions themselves are often not visible on standard imaging studies, their effects (such as bowel obstruction) can be seen on X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.
2. Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows direct visualization of adhesions. This is the most definitive way to diagnose adhesions.

4. Treatment:

1. Conservative Management: Mild cases may be managed with pain relief and monitoring.
2. Surgical Adhesiolysis: In cases where adhesions cause significant symptoms, surgery may be required to cut and separate the adhesions. However, surgery itself can lead to the formation of new adhesions.
3. Preventive Measures: During surgery, techniques like using adhesion barriers, minimizing tissue handling, and reducing infection risk can help reduce the formation of new adhesions.

5. Complications:

1. Recurrence: Adhesions can recur after surgery, sometimes causing more severe problems than the original condition.
2. Chronic Pain and Dysfunction: Persistent pain or dysfunction due to adhesions can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.

Abdominal adhesions are a common consequence of surgery and other conditions affecting the abdomen. While they are often asymptomatic, they can lead to serious complications requiring careful management.