[Causes for adhesions in the abdomen].

About one-third of the intraabdominal adhesions that lead to mechanical obstacles are caused by inflammatory or congenital alterations. Two-thirds derive from previous surgical interventions. Besides foreign-body reactions to glove powder, textile fibres, intestinal contents, necroses, drugs, or drainages, the most important mechanism seems to be reduced fibrinolytic activity of the peritoneum. This prevents the disolution of fibrin adhesions and causes its fibrous organization. Local ischaemia caused by ligations and sutures is of decisive importance.