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Adhesions
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Injuries Wounds

Adhesions

Adhesions are bands of scar-like tissue that can cause internal organs to stick together, potentially leading to serious complications like intestinal blockages.

Overview

Adhesions are bands of scar-like tissue. Normally, internal tissues and organs have slippery surfaces so they can shift easily as the body moves. Adhesions cause tissues and organs to stick together. They might connect the loops of the intestines to each other, to nearby organs, or to the wall of the abdomen. They can pull sections of the intestines out of place, which may block food from passing through the intestine.

Causes and Risk Factors

Adhesions can occur anywhere in the body, but they often form after surgery on the abdomen. Almost everyone who has surgery on the abdomen develops adhesions. While some adhesions do not cause any problems, they can also lead to complications such as infertility in women by preventing fertilized eggs from reaching the uterus.

Symptoms

When adhesions partly or completely block the intestines, they cause the following symptoms:

  • Severe abdominal pain or cramping
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • An inability to pass gas
  • Constipation

Diagnosis

There are no tests available to detect adhesions. Doctors usually find them during surgery performed to diagnose other problems.

Treatment and Management

Some adhesions go away by themselves. If they partly block your intestines, a diet low in fiber can allow food to move easily through the affected area. If you have a complete intestinal obstruction, it is life-threatening. You should get immediate medical attention, as you may need surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

complete obstruction is a medical emergency. Key signs include severe, constant abdominal pain that may come in waves, significant bloating, vomiting (which may become fecal-smelling in later stages), and a complete inability to pass gas or stool. If you experience these symptoms, especially if you have a history of abdominal surgery, you must seek immediate medical attention to prevent bowel perforation or necrosis.
dhesions are bands of scar tissue that often have a density similar to surrounding normal tissues, making them invisible on standard imaging. CT scans and MRIs are excellent for detecting the *consequences* of adhesions, such as bowel dilation or obstruction, but they cannot directly visualize the scar tissue itself. Diagnosis is often presumptive based on symptoms and surgical history, or confirmed incidentally during surgery for other conditions.
If you have partial adhesions that cause intermittent discomfort, a low-residue or low-fiber diet is often recommended. This reduces the bulk of stool, allowing it to pass more easily through narrowed sections of the intestine. Foods to limit include raw vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Smaller, more frequent meals can also help prevent bloating and cramping. Always consult a dietitian to ensure nutritional adequacy while restricting fiber.
Not all adhesions require surgery. Many are asymptomatic and never cause problems. Conservative management is the first line of treatment for mild cases, involving dietary changes, pain management, and monitoring. Surgery is generally reserved for cases where adhesions cause complete obstruction, severe chronic pain that does not respond to other treatments, or complications like infertility. However, surgery to remove adhesions carries the risk of creating new adhesions, so it is approached with caution.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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