Abdominal Adhesions (Scar Tissue) (cont.)

Abdominal adhesions can kink, twist, or pull the intestines out of place, causing an intestinal obstruction. An intestinal obstruction partially or completely restricts the movement of food or stool through the intestines. A complete intestinal obstruction is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention and often surgery.

Abdominal adhesions cause female infertility by preventing fertilized eggs from reaching the uterus, where fetal development takes place. Adhesions can kink, twist, or pull out of place the fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries - where eggs are stored and released - to the uterus.

Although most abdominal adhesions go unnoticed, the most common symptom is chronic abdominal or pelvic pain. The pain often mimics that of other conditions, including appendicitis, endometriosis, and diverticulitis.

Symptoms of an intestinal obstruction include

• severe abdominal pain or cramping
  
  
• vomiting
  
  
• bloating
  
  
• loud bowel sounds
  
  
• swelling of the abdomen
  
  
• inability to pass gas
  
  
• constipation

A person with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/abdominal_adhesions_scar_tissue/article.htm