15254 Abdominal Adhesions

Overview

Abdominal adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form inside your belly (abdomen). They can make organs or tissues stick together that are normally separate. Most adhesions cause no symptoms, but some can cause pain or bowel blockage.

Yes. Abdominal adhesions are very common, especially after abdominal or pelvic surgery. Many people have them without knowing it.

Anyone who has had abdominal or pelvic surgery can develop adhesions. They can also happen after infection or inflammation, although this is less common. They can affect adults and children, but are most often seen in adults who have had operations.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• No symptoms at all
• Chronic abdominal pain that may come and go
• Bloating or feeling full
• Nausea or vomiting

Symptoms in children

• Belly pain
• Vomiting
• Constipation or difficulty passing gas
• Fussiness or poor appetite

Symptoms in older adults

• Vague abdominal discomfort
• Changes in bowel habits
• Less obvious symptoms that may be mistaken for other conditions

Causes

Main causes

• Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery (most common)
• Peritonitis, which is inflammation of the lining of the abdomen from an infection
• Endometriosis or other inflammatory conditions in the pelvic area
• Injury or trauma to the abdomen

Risk factors

• History of abdominal or pelvic surgery
• Previous bowel surgery or gynecological surgery
• Infections inside the belly
• Dialysis for kidney failure
• Having a condition that causes chronic inflammation in the abdomen

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden, severe abdominal pain
• Signs of bowel blockage, such as vomiting, a painful swollen belly, or inability to pass gas or stool
• Fever with belly pain
• Blood in your stool or vomit

Book a routine appointment if:

• Belly pain that keeps coming back
• Changes in your bowel habits that last more than a few days
• Bloating or nausea that does not go away

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose abdominal adhesions based on your medical history, symptoms, and tests. There is no simple scan that always shows adhesions. Sometimes they are only found during surgery.

Tests that may be done

• Physical examination of your belly
• Blood tests to check for signs of infection or blockage
• Imaging tests such as X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound
• A small tube with a camera (laparoscopy) to look inside your belly

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will ask about past surgeries and any symptoms you have. They may press on your belly to check for tenderness. Tests help rule out other conditions and look for complications such as a bowel blockage.

Treatment

Treatment depends on whether you have symptoms and how severe they are. Most adhesions do not need treatment. If they cause pain or a bowel blockage, your doctor will recommend a plan based on your situation.

Self-care at home

• Eat small, frequent meals to help reduce bloating and discomfort
• Stay active with gentle walking, which can help keep your bowels moving
• Drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor tells you otherwise
• Avoid heavy lifting or straining if it makes your pain worse

Medical treatments

For pain that is not severe, doctors may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers (always ask your pharmacist or doctor which one is right for you). If adhesions cause a bowel blockage, treatment may include fluids through a drip, resting the bowel, or using a tube to relieve pressure. Surgery to cut the adhesions is sometimes needed, but doctors only recommend it when symptoms are serious or affect quality of life because surgery can lead to new adhesions.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is considered if adhesions cause a complete bowel blockage or if symptoms are severe and do not improve with other measures. The type of surgery depends on where the adhesions are and what the surgeon sees.

Living with this condition

Many people live with adhesions without any problems. If you do have symptoms, it helps to understand what triggers them and to talk openly with your healthcare team. Keeping a symptom diary can be useful.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat a balanced diet with enough fiber to avoid constipation
• Drink plenty of water
• Stay physically active every day
• Get enough sleep and manage stress

Diet and exercise

A regular, gentle exercise routine can help your bowels work well. Try walking, swimming, or other low-impact activities. If you have trouble with bloating, eating smaller meals and chewing slowly can reduce discomfort. Talk to your doctor or a dietitian for personalized advice.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with chronic abdominal pain can be frustrating and worrying. It is normal to feel stressed or anxious about your symptoms. If these feelings affect your daily life, mention them to your doctor. You may benefit from talking to a counselor or joining a support group.

Prevention

Not completely. If you have surgery, some adhesions may form, but surgeons take steps to reduce them. These include using special techniques and materials during the operation. There is no guaranteed way to prevent adhesions after surgery, but staying active and avoiding unnecessary surgery may help.

Complications

If left untreated

• Bowel blockage (also called intestinal obstruction), which can be life-threatening
• Strangulation, where blood flow to a part of the bowel is cut off
• Chronic pain that affects daily activities
• Infertility in women, if adhesions affect the fallopian tubes or ovaries

Long-term outlook

For most people, adhesions cause no symptoms and need no treatment. Even when symptoms occur, many improve with nonsurgical care. If surgery is needed, the outcomes are often good, though there is a chance adhesions may come back. Your healthcare team can help you manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.