What is an adhesion?

Scar tissue: Adhesions are caused by inflammation which can occur after the "trauma" of surgery or an acute illness (appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory dz., etc). They can look like spider webs, rope, or can "glue" organs together. This compartmentalizes the abdomen, leading to the risk of bowel getting twisted on itself causing acute obstructions. They may also entrap an organ such as the ovary, causing pain.