Adhesions

Information about adhesions.

What are adhesions?

Adhesions are fibrous connections between internal organs and the abdominal wall, at sites where there should be no connection.

How common are adhesions?

This is not known.  However, they are often seen with endometriosis or after a pelvic infection.

What are the symptoms of adhesions?

Adhesions are thought to be associated with persistent pelvic pain but there are no good published data to support this association.

What are thought to cause adhesions?

Adhesions are usually the result of injury (surgery, trauma or inflammation) to the peritoneum (the lining of the pelvis) and are part of the normal wound healing process.

How are adhesions diagnosed?

Adhesions are diagnosed by laparoscopy.

How are adhesions treated?

There is no good evidence to suggest that treatment of adhesions resolves pelvic pain.  However, they are often divided at time of laparoscopy.

View the Cochrane Review on Fluid and pharmacological agents for adhesion prevention after gynaecological surgery.