adhesion /adhē″zhən/ [L, adhaerens, sticking to] , a band of scar tissue that binds anatomical surfaces that normally are separate from each other. Adhesions most commonly form in the abdomen after abdominal surgery, inflammation, or injury. A loop of intestine may adhere to unhealed areas. Scar tissue constricting the bowel’s lumen may cause intestinal obstruction, blocking intestinal flow and causing abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and distention. Nasogastric intubation and suction may relieve symptoms. If the intestinal obstruction does not resolve spontaneously, surgery to lyse adhesions may be necessary. See also adhesiotomy.
