Adhesions are bands of fibrous scar tissue that form between structures in the abdominal cavity. Adhesions prevent the intestine and bowel from moving freely within the abdominal cavity and can cause intestinal or bowel obstruction. Adhesions form in response to the healing process; therefore, whenever tissue is repairing itself, adhesions can develop, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Abdominal Surgery
Surgeons perform abdominal surgery using either laparoscopic or open incision methodologies to access the organs of the abdominal cavity. Laparoscopic procedures use several small incisions, and open surgical methods use one large incision. When bodily tissues are cut, the healing process produces scar tissue, and this scar tissue may form between cut or inflamed abdominal structures, creating an adhesion. For example, an incision in the abdominal wall can adhere to the intestine via a band of fibrosis scar tissue, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Appendicitis
The appendix is an pouch-shaped organ in the lower right portion of the abdomen at the junction of the small and large intestines. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the appendix can become inflamed and infected if food particles become lodged within it, a condition called appendicitis. Abdominal adhesions can form after the surgical removal of the appendix if the intestine adheres to the abdominal wall.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is characterized by inflammation of the uterus. It is caused by internal uterine tissue that becomes situated outside of the uterus for reasons that remain unclear. The condition causes severe pelvic pain, and the inflamed tissue can form adhesions within the abdominal and pelvic cavities, according to Cedars Sinai Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a condition in which pouches form in the large intestine. The pouches collect food particles that, over time, cause inflammation and infection. The inflammation can create adhesions between the large intestine and the abdominal wall or adhesions that surround the intestine and cause bowel obstruction, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center and the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a treatment method to stop the growth of cancerous cells. It affects healthy tissue as well, however. According to Dr. Matthias Turina and colleagues in an article in "Archives of Surgery," radiation therapy can cause inflammation of the intestinal tissue and therefore produce extensive abdominal adhesions.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Adhesion
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Abdominal Adhesions
- "Archives of Surgery"; Frequency and Surgical Management of Chronic Complications Related to Pelvic Radiation; Matthias Turina, M.D., et al.; 2008
- Cedars Sinai Hospital: Endometriosis
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Lysis of Adhesions
