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Understanding the condition
Adhesions are internal bands of scar-like tissue, often following surgery or inflammation. Many cause no problems. Others can pull on or obstruct the bowel, even years after an operation.
What the evaluation looks for
Imaging often shows the consequences of adhesions, such as obstruction, rather than the bands themselves. Pain alone does not prove that adhesions are the cause; other explanations need consideration.
How treatment is chosen
Asymptomatic adhesions do not usually need treatment. Surgery to divide adhesions may be necessary for selected complications but can injure bowel and create new adhesions. The expected benefit must justify those risks.
Questions worth asking
- What evidence links my symptoms to adhesions?
- Are there other causes that should be evaluated?
- What would an operation realistically improve?
When to seek help promptly
Abdominal pain with increasing distention, vomiting or inability to pass gas needs urgent assessment for obstruction.