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Adhesions: What to know about internal scar tissue
Every time your body heals from an injury, it leaves a mark. On your skin, you get a visible scar. Inside your abdomen and pelvis, it can turn into tough bands of fibrous internal scar tissue. These are what surgeons refer to as adhesions. Abdominal or pelvic operations are common causes for developing adhesions, as well as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ruptured cysts, a burst appendix, or even localized infections. When significant, they can tether your intestines to your abdominal wall, bind your ovaries to your uterus, or glue loops of bowel together in tight webbed knots, causing pain, bowel symptoms and potential emergencies.
