What is the term for intestinal (peritoneal) adhesions where the intestines adhere to the abdominal wall?

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Peritoneal Adhesions (or Simply "Adhesions")

The term for intestines adherent to the abdominal wall is "peritoneal adhesions" or simply "adhesions." 1

Definition

According to the 2018 Bologna Guidelines from the World Society of Emergency Surgery, peritoneal adhesions are defined as fibrous tissue that connects surfaces or organs within the peritoneal cavity that are normally separated 1. These adhesions represent a pathological healing response of the peritoneum following injury, rather than normal "ad integrum" (complete) repair.

Key Characteristics

Adhesions form fibrous bands between:

  • The intestines (small and large bowel)
  • The abdominal wall
  • The omentum
  • Other intra-abdominal organs
  • The mesentery

2

These bands can vary in structure from:

  • Thin films of connective tissue
  • Thick fibrous bridges containing blood vessels and nerve tissue
  • Direct adhesions between two organ surfaces

2

Common Causes

The most typical cause is peritoneal injury from abdominal surgery 1. Other conditions causing peritoneal injury that result in adhesion formation include:

  • Radiotherapy
  • Endometriosis
  • Inflammation
  • Local response to tumors

1

Clinical Significance

Adhesions are the single most common cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO) 1. The most frequent site of adhesion formation is between the greater omentum and the anterior abdominal wall 3. These adhesions can lead to:

  • Adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) - a surgical emergency
  • Chronic abdominal pain
  • Female infertility
  • Complications during subsequent surgeries

4

References

4
Research

Pathophysiology and prevention of postoperative peritoneal adhesions.

World journal of gastroenterology, 2011

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