Understanding Common Types of Adhesions: Causes & Locations

Adhesions are bands of fibrous scar tissue that form between organs and tissues, usually after surgery, trauma, infection, or inflammation. Common types include:

• Intra‑abdominal Adhesions: Between abdominal organs (e.g., bowel loops); leading cause of small‑bowel obstruction.
• Pelvic Adhesions: Involving uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder; common after C‑section, hysterectomy, or PID; can cause infertility and chronic pain.
• Pericardial Adhesions: Between heart and pericardium; post‑cardiac surgery or pericarditis.
• Pleural Adhesions: Between lung and chest wall; after thoracic surgery, empyema, or trauma.
• Tendon Adhesions: Restrict tendon gliding; post‑tendon repair or trauma.
• Nerve Adhesions: Entrap nerves; post‑surgery or injury.

Symptoms range from asymptomatic to severe pain, bowel obstruction, infertility, or restricted joint motion. Surgical lysis is reserved for significant functional impairment; recurrence is common. Minimally invasive techniques and adhesion barriers aim to reduce formation.