Abdominal adhesions are thick bands of connective tissue. Normally organs are slippery and are able to move freely throughout the abdomen. However, adhesions cause organs to stick together. Abdominal adhesions often occur after any sort of surgery in the abdomen, as the healing process can cause abnormal connective tissue growth.
Pain
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that although many abdominal adhesions are asymptomatic, the most common symptom of an adhesion is pain. This pain is generally chronic and localizes to the are where the adhesions are located. Sometimes the adhesions will cause pain only during certain activities. For example, adhesions above the liver can cause pain during deep breathing. Other times an abdominal adhesions will cause pain when the tissue within the abdomen is extended, such as during exercise or stretching.
Abdominal adhesions can be difficult to diagnose because the pain is non-specific and mimics that of many other conditions, such as appendicitis or diverticulitis.
Infertility
An article in the journal of Digestive Surgery notes that 15 to 20 percent of all cases of female infertility are caused by adhesions in the abdomen. In these cases the adhesions wrap around the ovaries, leading them to be compresses and entrapped. As a result of this ovarian obstruction, ovarian follicles fail to properly mature. This prevents the release of eggs from the ovary. Sometimes these adhesions can be surgically removed but, as is the case with all surgical procedures, the surgery can lead to more adhesions appearing.
Intestinal Obstruction
Sometimes abdominal adhesions can wrap around the intestines, leading to them being obstructed. InteliHealth notes that this is a medical emergency. Symptoms of abdominal obstruction are severe abdominal pain and cramps coupled with nausea and vomiting. Sometimes the pain will ease after vomiting. Patients may also experience a distended abdomen and have problems with passing gas. Bowel movements may be infrequent or completely absent. Some people with abdominal blockage also develop signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth and skin as well as severe thirst and infrequent urination.
