Adhesions after caesarean section and their consequences

Adhesions are a common complication after caesarean section. According to the reports of various authors, adhesions may affect from 46% to even 100% of patients. A good appearance of the caesarean section scar is not synonymous with the absence of postoperative adhesions.

The consequences of adhesions after caesarean section include:

  • unsightly appearance of the abdominal integuments – the scar grows into the deeper tissues, therefore an overhang of the skin and subcutaneous tissue is formed above the scar,
  • chronic pelvic pain,
  • obstruction associated with tight bowel syndrome,
  • dyspareunia,
  • infertility,
  • non-specific ailments of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary and reproductive systems.

The long-term consequences of adhesions after caesarean section resulting from restrictions in the healing tissues can be:

  • musculoskeletal pain syndromes, such as a disturbed posture and gait pattern, resulting in headaches, pain in the spine and pelvis,
  • change in tension and resting length of antagonistic muscle groups,
  • change in geometry and decrease in elasticity of the fascia.

Antonina Kaczorowska

References:

  1. Ewies AAA, Zanetto U. Caesarean section scar causes myometrial hypertrophy with subsequent heavy menstrual flow and dysmenorrhoea. Medical Hypotheses. 2017;108:54-56.
  2. Gokal R, Armstrong K, Fashong B. C-sections impact on maternal and fetal health. Positive outcomes with Micro Point Stimulation of C-section scar. Journal of Internal Medicine: Science & Art. 2020;1:35-47.
  3. González-Quintero VH, Cruz-Pachano FE. Preventing adhesions in obstetrics and gynaecologic surgical procedures. Reviews in Obstetrics and Gynecology 2009;2(1):38-45.
  4. Hamel KJ. Incidence of adhesions at repeat cesarean delivery. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2007;196(5):e31-2.
  5. Morales KJ, Gordon MC, Wright Bates G Jr. Postcesarean delivery adhesions associated with delayed delivery of infant. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2007;196(5):461.e1-6.
  6. Robertson D, Lefebvre G. Adhesion prevention in Gynaecological Surgery. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Canada. 2010; 32(6):598-602.
  7. Wasserman JB, Copeland M, Upp M, Abraham K. Effect of soft tissue mobilization techniques on adhesion-related pain and function in the abdomen: A systematic review. A case series. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2019;23(2):262-269.
  8. Wasserman JB, Steele-Thornborrow JL, Yuen JS, Halkiotis M, Riggins EM. Chronic caesarian section scar pain treated with fascial scar release techniques: A case series. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2016;20(4):906-913.
Tags
,

Share:

Stay updated

Related articles

Exercises to improve motor control of the pelvis and lumbar spine. This type of exercise will be incorporated in the...