Causes of Pelvic Adhesions

Adhesions are the internal scar tissue that forms after injury or inflammation. Adhesions may occur after surgery. Fibrous tissue develops and grows between structures that are not normally attached to one another. As they grow, adhesions may pull on surrounding organs.

Why do Pelvic Adhesions Form?

Pelvic adhesions can form for many reasons including:

• Trauma – Trauma is frequently a major contributor to adhesion formation. Adhesions that form after surgery result from the body's normal healing process.
• Ischemia – Blood flow is disrupted during surgery by cutting, cauterization, suture placement among other methods. This lack of blood flow can produce ischemia and cause tissue damage. Adhesions may form as a result.
• Foreign bodies – Foreign bodies such as suture material, lint from surgical sponges, or talc from surgical gloves can cause an inflammatory reaction in the body and the formation of adhesions.
• Hemorrhage – Blood in the operating field in combination with the raw tissue surfaces that are exposed during surgery can enhance formation of adhesions.
• Infection – Infection from a variety of sources including endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease can cause inflammation and adhesion formation.