Adhesions are scar tissue which may occur between organs and therefore may cause organs to become pulled out of place or blocked, producing pain and infertility. They can also cause bloating or difficulty with bowel function. Adhesions usually are a consequence of inflammation, which results from conditions such as endometriosis, infection or previous surgery or sometimes there is no obvious cause for their presence.

They can only really be treated by dividing them surgically, thus freeing the organs and tissues. Anti-adhesive agents are sometimes used at the end of surgery to reduce the chance of recurrence.