Internal scar tissue after surgery, often called adhesions, involves the formation of scar tissue inside the body, connecting tissues or organs that are not normally connected. These adhesions can develop following surgery or inflammation and may lead to pain or organ dysfunction.
Understanding Adhesions
Adhesions are a specific type of internal scar tissue that can cause various complications. Unlike external scars visible on the skin, adhesions form internally, creating abnormal connections.
- Definition: Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form inside the body and connect organs or tissues that are not usually attached.
- Causes: They typically develop after surgical procedures or due to inflammation within the body.
- Impact: Adhesions can cause pain, limit the range of motion, or even lead to organ dysfunction, depending on their location and severity.
How Adhesions Form
Adhesions form as part of the body's natural healing process. After surgery or inflammation, the body attempts to repair the damaged tissue. This repair process can sometimes lead to the formation of fibrous bands that connect surfaces that should remain separate.
Potential Problems Caused by Adhesions
The consequences of adhesions can vary widely depending on their location and extent:
- Pain: Adhesions can cause chronic pain, especially in the abdomen or pelvis.
- Organ Dysfunction: They can interfere with the normal function of organs, potentially leading to bowel obstruction or infertility.
- Limited Mobility: Adhesions can restrict the movement of internal organs, causing discomfort and reduced flexibility.
Identifying and Managing Adhesions
Diagnosing adhesions can be challenging because they are not visible from the outside. Imaging techniques like CT scans or MRIs may help, but often, adhesions are only discovered during subsequent surgeries.
Management Strategies
There are several approaches to managing adhesions:
- Surgical Removal: Adhesions can be surgically removed or cut (adhesiolysis). However, surgery itself can sometimes lead to the formation of new adhesions.
- Physical Therapy: In some cases, physical therapy can help improve mobility and reduce pain associated with adhesions.
- Medications: Pain management strategies, including pain relievers, may be used to alleviate discomfort caused by adhesions.
