Tissue Adhesions
Tissue Adhesions: What They Are and How to Treat Them
Tissue adhesions are scar-like bands of fibrous tissue that can form in the body. They cause the tissues and organs to stick together, resulting in pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. While tissue adhesions can be caused by a variety of factors, surgery is the most common cause. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of tissue adhesions.
What Causes Tissue Adhesions?
Tissue adhesions can form when tissue heals from trauma or surgery. As the tissue heals, the body forms a web of fibrous tissue between the healing tissue and nearby structures. This fibrous tissue can cause two structures that are normally separate to become stuck together.
Surgery is the most common cause of tissue adhesions. Many types of surgery can cause tissue adhesions, including abdominal, pelvic, or spinal surgery. Other potential causes of tissue adhesions include abdominal inflammation, infection, or a condition called endometriosis.
Symptoms of Tissue Adhesions
- Pain in the affected area
- Inflammation
- Reduced mobility
- Vomiting
- Abdominal bloating
In some cases, tissue adhesions can be severe enough to cause an obstruction of the intestines or other organs. When this occurs, it can cause a person to experience nausea, vomiting, or abdominal bloating.
Treating Tissue Adhesions
Treatment for tissue adhesions usually involves reducing the inflammation and pain in the affected area. This can be done through physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modification. In some cases, surgical treatment might be needed to remove the adhesions.
In severe cases, surgery may be needed to release the adhesions and restore normal movement. This procedure is called adhesiolysis and can involve cutting through the adhesions and separating the tissues that are stuck together. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Preventing Tissue Adhesions
While tissue adhesions cannot always be prevented, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. These include:
- Following post-surgery care instructions carefully
- Avoiding trauma to the area
- Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Avoiding smoking
- Engaging in regular physical activity
The best way to prevent tissue adhesions is to follow your doctor’s post-surgery instructions carefully and to avoid trauma to the affected area.