What are adhesions in the abdomen?
Adhesions in the abdomen are tissue bridges that connect organs with each other or organs with the abdominal wall. They are not physiologically present and often occur after surgical interventions in the abdominal cavity. In technical terminology, adhesions are referred to as adhesion
What causes adhesions in the abdominal cavity?
Adhesions often occur after operations in the abdominal cavity and are the most common cause of adhesions in this area. The protein fibrin closes intraoperative wounds, just like in a skin wound. After an operation, the breakdown of fibrin is often delayed.
During this time, connective tissue cells migrate and form solid strands, the adhesions. According to the current state of knowledge, it is not yet known how to prevent adhesions after an operation. Post-operative adhesions can often be minimized using the keyhole technique (minimally invasive).
Other causes of adhesions can be inflammation of the fallopian tubes or ovaries or endometriosis. In this context, the peritoneum may become inflamed and adhesions may also form. Causes of adhesions can also be infections, chemotherapy, radiation or malignant diseases.
How are adhesions diagnosed?
Adhesions can only be reliably diagnosed intraoperatively. In the course of a new operation, which is often performed using the keyhole technique, the adhesions can be removed in addition to the reliable diagnosis. Alternatively, indications of existing adhesions can be given by means of ultrasound or MRI.
What symptoms indicate adhesions in the abdominal cavity?
Often adhesions in the abdomen do not cause any symptoms and go unnoticed. Symptoms of adhesions in the abdominal cavity can be
- Disturbance of the intestinal activity up to intestinal obstruction (rare)
- Stool irregularities
- Feeling of pressure
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Chronic pain in the lower abdomen
- Infertility
- Pulling pain in the back or shoulder
Pain can occur due to adhesions in the abdominal cavity, which can lead to a relieving posture. In most cases, some muscles tense up, which can result in back pain. However, pain due to adhesions in the abdominal cavity can also radiate into the back or shoulder.
