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Adhesion

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Definition:

Adhesions are bands of scar-like tissue that form between two surfaces inside the body.

Alternative Names:

Pelvic adhesion; Intraperitoneal adhesion; Intrauterine adhesion

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Inflammation, surgery, or injury can cause tissues to bond to other tissue or organs, much like the process of forming scar tissue. Sometimes, adhesions can form between the two surfaces. Abdominal surgery, endometriosis, attacks of appendicitis , or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can also cause adhesions.

Depending on the tissues involved, adhesions can cause various disorders. In the eye, adhesion of the iris to the lens can lead to glaucoma . In the intestines, adhesions can cause partial or complete bowel obstruction .

Adhesions inside the uterus are so common that they have a name of their own -- Asherman syndrome . Pelvic adhesions can lead to infertility and reproductive problems.

• Review Date: 5/10/2006
• Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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