Word parts
What it means
Fibrous tissue that forms between organs or between an organ and the body wall, most often after abdominal or pelvic surgery, infection or inflammation. Adhesions in the belly can twist or pinch the bowel and cause a bowel obstruction, and in the pelvis they can cause pain and trouble getting pregnant. The word is also used for how well a dressing or tape sticks, and for germs sticking to surfaces.
For the nurse
In a client with past abdominal surgery, report cramping belly pain with vomiting, a swollen belly and no passing of gas or stool.
At a glance
| Spanish | adherencia |
|---|---|
| Also written | adhesions |
Related terms
surgery
Treatment in which a surgeon operates on the body, usually by cutting into it, to repair, remove or examine tissue.
ad-
A word beginning that means toward, near or added to.
fibrosis
The thickening and scarring of tissue, which replaces normal tissue with tough fibers.
scar
Tough, fibrous tissue that replaces normal skin or tissue after an injury has healed.