Fibrous bands (i.e., bands of scar-like tissue) that span two or more intra-abdominal organs and/or the inner abdominal wall (i.e. peritoneal membrane).
Comment:
Abdominal adhesions typically form after abdominal surgery but may also occur secondary to inflammatory conditions of the abdomen in the absence of prior abdominal surgery or as a sequela of abdomino-pelvic radiation. Although the majority of patients with intra-abdominal adhesions remain asymptomatic, a clinically significant subset of patients will develop adhesive disease, a symptomatic state ranging from mild and/or vague to highly distressing and even life-threatening symptoms.