What are adhesions

The word adhere literally means to stick or to bind together. 

When tissue that is normally not connected grows together, it is called an adhesion. It is also commonly referred to as scar tissue. 

Adhesions are fibrous tissues (scar tissue) that cause organs within the body to adhere to other internal organs that are not normally connected. 

Adhesions may appear as thin sheets of tissue similar to plastic wrap or as thick fibrous bands. 

Adhesions may involve the female reproductive organs (ovaries, Fallopian tubes) can and do cause infertility, dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and debilitating pelvic pain. Adhesions involving the bowel can cause bowel obstruction or blockage. 

Adhesions may form elsewhere such as around the heart, spine and in the hand where they lead to other problems.