Tarttuvuudet

Tarttuvuudet is a Finnish term that translates to "adhesions" in English. It refers to abnormal bands of fibrous tissue that can form within the body, connecting two surfaces or organs that are normally separate. These bands can develop in various parts of the body, most commonly within the abdomen following surgery, inflammation, or injury.

Adhesions are a frequent complication of abdominal surgery, where the tissues are manipulated and healing processes can lead to their formation. They can also arise from conditions like appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or endometriosis. In some cases, adhesions can form in other areas, such as the chest after heart surgery or the limbs.

The presence of adhesions can range from asymptomatic to causing significant pain and complications. Small adhesions may not cause any problems, but larger or more extensive adhesions can lead to organs being pulled or twisted out of their normal position. This can result in symptoms such as chronic pain, bowel obstruction, infertility, or difficulties with future surgical procedures.

Diagnosis of adhesions can be challenging and often relies on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies like CT scans or ultrasound. In some instances, a surgical procedure such as laparoscopy may be required for definitive diagnosis and potential treatment. Treatment options depend on the severity of symptoms and can include pain management or surgical lysis of adhesions, where the fibrous bands are cut to free the affected tissues.