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Adhesion - Overview

Alternative Names

Pelvic adhesion; Intraperitoneal adhesion; Intrauterine adhesion

Definition of Adhesion:

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Inflammation, surgery, or injury can cause tissues to bond to other tissue or organs, much like the process of forming scar tissue. Sometimes, adhesions can form between the two surfaces. Other causes of adhesions include:

  • Reviewed last on: 2/5/2008
  • Peter Chen, MD, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.