Adhesion

Alternative names:

intrauterine adhesion; pelvic adhesion; pericardial adhesion

Definition:

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Inflammation or trauma can cause tissues to bond to other tissue or organs (much like the process of forming scar tissue). Sometimes, fibrous bands (adhesions) can be formed between the two surfaces. Abdominal surgery, congenital bands, or attacks of appendicitis can also cause this condition.

Depending on the tissues involved, adhesions can cause various disorders. For example, adhesion of the membranes around the heart (pericardial sac) occurs, pericarditis can result. 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. Intrauterine adhesions occur often enough they have a name of their own (Asherman syndrome). Pelvic adhesions can lead to infertility and reproductive problems.