Adhesions Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between internal organs and tissues that are not normally connected. When adhesions develop, organs or tissues inside the body can stick (adhere) to each other or to nearby surfaces. This is part of the body’s natural healing process, but in some people it can lead to pain and other complications.

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, adhesions are commonly seen after abdominal or pelvic surgery at major hospitals such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health locations. Understanding adhesions can help you know when to seek care and what treatment options are available locally.

What Are Adhesions?

Adhesions are made of fibrous scar tissue. They:

  • Can look like thin, filmy sheets (similar to plastic wrap), or
  • Can form thicker, stronger bands that pull organs together

Adhesions can affect many areas of the body, including:

  • Female reproductive organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus)
  • Small and large bowel (intestines)
  • Abdominal or pelvic cavity after surgery
  • Area around the heart
  • Spine
  • Hands and other joints

While many adhesions never cause symptoms, some can lead to:

  • Chronic pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Infertility
  • Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • Bowel obstruction (blockage)

In some people, adhesions cause a complex group of symptoms known as adhesion-related disorder (ARD).

How Common Are Adhesions?

Adhesions are very common after surgery:

  • Up to 93% of people who have abdominal surgery develop adhesions.
  • Up to 90% of women who have major gynecological surgery (such as hysterectomy or surgery for endometriosis) will form adhesions.
  • About 10% of people who have never had surgery may still develop abdominal adhesions, often due to infection, inflammation, or trauma.

Because Grand Rapids is a regional hub for surgical care in West Michigan, many residents who undergo abdominal or pelvic surgery at hospitals like Corewell Health Butterworth, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health are at some risk of developing adhesions afterward.

Adhesions can:

  • Increase the risk of post-operative complications (such as leaks, wound infections, or bleeding)
  • Lead to small bowel obstruction, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain
  • Make future surgeries more difficult and higher risk

Causes of Adhesions

Adhesions develop as part of the body’s normal healing response. They may form after:

  • Abdominal or pelvic surgery (including cesarean section, appendectomy, hysterectomy, endometriosis surgery, bowel surgery)
  • Gynecologic procedures (for example, surgery on ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus)
  • Infection or inflammation in the abdomen or pelvis (such as pelvic inflammatory disease, diverticulitis, or appendicitis)
  • Radiation treatment to the abdomen or pelvis
  • Injury or trauma (such as motor vehicle accidents or sports injuries)

In Michigan, winter-related falls and accidents can sometimes contribute to traumatic injuries that later lead to adhesions after surgical repair.

Most adhesions form within the first few days after surgery, but symptoms may not appear until months or even years later.

Adhesion-related disorder (ARD) refers to a group of symptoms caused by adhesions. Many people with ARD experience:

  • Chronic or recurring abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Pain that may be:
    • Localized to one area, or
    • Generalized, vague, and “crampy”
  • Pain that is hard to describe and difficult to link to a specific organ

Symptoms can last a long time and may significantly affect daily life, especially in colder months when people in Grand Rapids may already be less active and more prone to stiffness and discomfort.

Common Symptoms of ARD

Symptoms may include:

  • Chronic abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Pain that worsens with movement, such as:
    • Walking
    • Sitting or standing for long periods
    • Lying in certain positions
  • Bowel changes:
    • Constipation
    • Intermittent bowel obstruction
    • Alternating constipation and diarrhea (from partial obstruction)
    • Painful bowel movements
  • Bloating or a feeling of fullness
  • Difficulty passing gas
  • Urinary symptoms:
    • Urinary urgency or frequency
    • Bladder discomfort or dysfunction

Because chronic pain can affect mental health, people with ARD may also experience:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • In severe cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Women with adhesions that affect the reproductive organs may also have:

  • Painful intercourse
  • Difficulty becoming pregnant (infertility)
  • Menstrual pain that is worse than usual

If you are experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm, seek help immediately through a local emergency department in Grand Rapids, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or contact your healthcare provider.

Why Adhesions Are Hard to Diagnose

One challenge with adhesions is that they do not show up on most standard imaging tests. This can make diagnosis difficult and frustrating for patients.

Symptoms of adhesions or ARD can mimic many other conditions, including:

  • Endometriosis
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Other causes of chronic pelvic or abdominal pain

Tests That Usually Do NOT Show Adhesions

These common tests typically cannot directly diagnose adhesions:

  • Blood tests
  • Standard X-rays
  • CT scans
  • MRI scans
  • Ultrasound

These tests are still important because they help rule out other serious problems, such as tumors, infections, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Tests That May Help

  • Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
    An X-ray test that looks inside the uterus and fallopian tubes. It can sometimes show adhesions inside these structures that may be affecting fertility.

  • Diagnostic laparoscopy
    This is a minimally invasive surgery (keyhole surgery) in which a surgeon inserts a camera through a small incision in the abdomen to look directly at the organs.

    • It is the only test that can confirm the presence of adhesions.
    • If adhesions are found, they can often be treated (released or cut) during the same procedure.

In Grand Rapids, diagnostic laparoscopy and specialized pelvic pain evaluations are available through gynecologists, general surgeons, and minimally invasive surgery programs at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and affiliated clinics.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact a local healthcare provider or urgent care in West Michigan if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening abdominal pain
  • Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Abdominal swelling or bloating that is new or sudden
  • Fever with abdominal pain

These may be signs of a bowel obstruction, which is a medical emergency and often related to adhesions in adults.

For ongoing or chronic symptoms—such as pelvic pain, painful intercourse, or fertility concerns—schedule an appointment with:

  • Your primary care provider
  • A gynecologist
  • A gastroenterologist
  • A pain specialist familiar with chronic pelvic and abdominal pain

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources can also help you locate local clinics, low-cost care, or specialists if you do not have a regular doctor.

Treatment Options for Adhesions in Grand Rapids

Not all adhesions need treatment. If adhesions are not causing symptoms or complications, your doctor may recommend watchful waiting and symptom management.

When treatment is needed, options include both surgical and non-surgical approaches.

Surgical Treatment: Adhesiolysis

Adhesiolysis is the surgical procedure used to cut and release adhesions. This can be done in two main ways:

1. Open Adhesiolysis

  • Performed through a larger abdominal incision
  • Usually reserved for serious problems, such as:
    • Complete bowel obstruction
    • Complicated cases where laparoscopic surgery is not safe
  • Drawbacks:
    • Higher risk of new adhesions forming
    • Longer recovery time
    • More post-operative pain

In fact, in about 70% of cases, surgery to remove adhesions can lead to the formation of new adhesions. This is why open surgery is generally avoided unless absolutely necessary.

2. Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis (Keyhole Surgery)

Laparoscopic surgery is often preferred when possible, especially for:

  • Chronic pelvic pain due to adhesions
  • Infertility related to pelvic adhesions

Benefits of laparoscopic adhesiolysis:

  • Only small incisions are needed
  • Lower risk of new adhesions compared to open surgery
  • Less post-operative pain
  • Shorter hospital stay—many patients go home the same day
  • Most women return to full activity within about one week

This procedure can be technically challenging and may take 2–4 hours, depending on how extensive the adhesions are. It is offered at major Grand Rapids hospitals and surgical centers with minimally invasive surgery programs.

Adhesion Barriers and Adjuvant Treatments

To help reduce the chance of new adhesions forming, surgeons may use:

  • Adhesion barrier products (commercially made films, gels, or solutions placed between tissues during surgery)
  • Adjuvant treatments such as products placed inside the uterus after adhesiolysis to prevent intrauterine adhesions

Your surgeon will discuss whether these options are appropriate for you.

Non-Surgical Management of Adhesions

For many people in Grand Rapids, especially those with chronic pain but no emergency complications, non-surgical treatments may be recommended first.

These can include:

1. Medications

  • Pain relievers (over-the-counter or prescription)
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Certain nerve pain medications or antidepressants used for chronic pain

Important notes:

  • Medications can help manage pain but do not remove adhesions.
  • They may cause side effects and are not effective for everyone.
  • Long-term use of some pain medicines needs careful monitoring by a doctor.

2. Physical Therapy and Exercise

  • Pelvic floor physical therapy
  • Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises
  • Posture and movement training
  • Soft tissue mobilization or manual therapy (for example, techniques described in studies such as Wasserman et al., 2019)

Staying active during Michigan’s long winters can be challenging, but regular movement is important for managing chronic pain and stiffness. Local physical therapists in Grand Rapids can design a program tailored to your needs.

3. Lifestyle Changes

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Eating a high-fiber diet (unless your doctor advises otherwise) to support bowel health
  • Staying hydrated, especially during dry indoor heating season
  • Using heat packs or warm baths to relax muscles and ease pain
  • Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or counseling

4. Pain Management Specialists

A pain specialist can help develop a comprehensive plan that may include:

  • Medication management
  • Nerve blocks or injections
  • Behavioral therapy for chronic pain
  • Coordination with physical therapy and mental health support

Pain management services are available through major healthcare systems in Grand Rapids and independent pain clinics throughout West Michigan.

Risks and Complications of Adhesions

Adhesions can lead to:

  • Chronic pain (abdominal, pelvic, or back pain)
  • Infertility, especially if adhesions affect the fallopian tubes or ovaries
  • Bowel obstruction and inability to pass gas or stool
  • Urinary bladder dysfunction
  • Pain with movement, including:
    • Walking
    • Sitting or standing
    • Lying in certain positions
  • Painful bowel movements
  • Emotional distress, depression, or anxiety due to chronic symptoms

Because adhesions may worsen or recur over time, it’s important to discuss the risks, benefits, and alternatives to any surgery with your Grand Rapids healthcare team before making a decision.

Local Resources for Adhesion Care in Grand Rapids, MI

If you suspect you may have adhesions or ARD, consider reaching out to:

  • Primary Care Providers in Grand Rapids and Kent County
    For initial evaluation, referrals, and ongoing management.
  • Gynecologists and Reproductive Specialists
    For pelvic pain, painful intercourse, or infertility.
  • Gastroenterologists
    For bowel-related symptoms and chronic abdominal pain.
  • Surgeons (General and Minimally Invasive)
    For evaluation of possible surgical treatment.
  • Pain Management Clinics
    For chronic pain support and non-surgical options.
  • Kent County Health Department
    For help finding local clinics, low-cost or sliding-scale services, and public health resources.
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and Community Clinics
    For residents without regular access to healthcare.

In emergencies (severe pain, vomiting, inability to pass gas, or signs of bowel obstruction), go to the nearest Grand Rapids emergency department or call 911.

Key Takeaways About Adhesions in Grand Rapids

  • Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can form after surgery, infection, inflammation, injury, or radiation.
  • They are very common after abdominal and gynecologic surgery and can lead to chronic pain, infertility, and bowel obstruction.
  • Adhesion-related disorder (ARD) describes the chronic symptoms some people experience due to adhesions.
  • Adhesions often do not show up on standard imaging tests; diagnostic laparoscopy is the only way to confirm them.
  • Treatment options in Grand Rapids include:
    • Laparoscopic adhesiolysis (keyhole surgery)
    • Open surgery in select cases
    • Non-surgical approaches such as medication, physical therapy, exercise, and pain management
  • Chronic pain from adhesions can impact mental health. Support is available locally through healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and community resources.

If you live in Grand Rapids or the surrounding West Michigan area and are concerned about possible adhesions, talk with your doctor or contact a local healthcare system to discuss evaluation and treatment options tailored to you.