Adhesions are bands of scar-like tissue that form between two surfaces inside the body and cause them to stick together.

Causes

With movement of the body, internal organs such as the bowel or uterus are normally able to shift and to slide past each other. This is because these tissues and organs in the abdominal cavity have smooth, slippery surfaces. Inflammation (swelling), surgery, or injury can cause adhesions to form and prevent this movement.

Adhesions can occur almost anywhere in the body, including:

- Joints, such as the shoulder
- Eyes
- Inside the abdomen or pelvis

Adhesions can become larger or tighter over time. Problems may occur if the adhesions cause an organ or body part to:

- Twist
- Pull out of position
- Be unable to move normally

The risk of forming adhesions is high after bowel or female organ surgeries. Surgery using a laparoscope is less likely to cause adhesions than open surgery.

Other causes of adhesions in the abdomen or pelvis include:

- Appendicitis, most often when the appendix breaks open (ruptures)
- Cancer
- Endometriosis
- Infections in the abdomen and pelvis
- Radiation treatment

Adhesions around the joints may occur:

- After surgery or trauma
- With certain types of arthritis
- With overuse of a joint or tendon

Symptoms

Adhesions in joints, tendons, or ligaments make it harder to move the joint. They may also cause pain.

Adhesions in the belly (abdomen) may cause a blockage of the intestines. Symptoms include:

- Bloating or swelling of your belly
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- No longer being able to pass gas
- Pain in the belly that is severe and crampy

Adhesions in the pelvis may cause long-term (chronic) pelvic pain.