The UK Adhesion Society

Welcome to the United Kingdom Adhesion Society Web site. UKAS was formed in 1998 and went on line the year 2000 as an Internet based member support group.

Our objectives are to provide information on Adhesions and Adhesion related disorders (ARD) its treatment and prevention, for members and to offer support for those suffering from this debilitating disorder.

Adhesions are internal “scars” that form after trauma through complex processes involving injured tissues and the peritoneum. For most people, Adhesion formation has little effect. For some people however, it can have severe clinical consequences.

Adhesions and ARD are conditions that are not clearly recognised nor understood and for those who are suffering it is often a very lonely existence. In addition they are often mislabeled as "psychiatric" cases and are isolated from family and friends.

We wish to raise the level of awareness among doctors, healthcare providers, government, and the public as a whole, to prompt a more comprehensive and integrated care system for ARD sufferers.

One of the biggest factors in the rehabilitation of Adhesion sufferers, appears to be the removal of feelings of loneliness. Being able to share their story. Participation in support groups and other forms of psychological support are a big help.

We offer a discussion forum, e.g. a mailing list and a chat room, for support of members suffering from pain and other discomforts, brought on by this debilitating condition. To share their experiences, comfort each other and to feel that not all is futile, in the battle against Adhesions and their related disorders.

The most common cause of Adhesion formation is after surgery. Almost 55% to 100% of patients are shown to have Adhesions at subsequent surgeries.

We aim to compile a National database of doctors and surgeons who are knowledgeable about Adhesions and ARD, who expertise in adhesyolysis procedures (the lysis, cutting, of Adhesions).

Surgery for Adhesions is not always performed, because surgeons in the main do not believe that Adhesions can cause pain, or because lysis of Adhesions is considered to be too difficult or futile, as they almost always return.

We hope to serve as a forum for public education and research into the treatment and prevention of Adhesions.

Recently, scientists have been successful in developing effective absorbable Adhesion barriers that protect tissue and dissolve when they are no longer needed. To date, the only products specifically approved by The department of health for use in humans are Interceed barrier made by Johnson & Johnson, Seprafilm made by Genzyme Corporation.

We hope that by starting up this society, it will encourage others to be more understanding of the pain and suffering of the physical and emotional effects, that this hidden illness brings and to validate that Adhesions do indeed cause pain. Learn all about Adhesions, how they can be treated and prevented.

We welcome you to our site, and hope you find it is of benefit to you.

Disclaimer

It is not the intention of UKAS to provide specific medical advice, but rather to provide users with information to better understand their diagnosed disorders. UKAS urges you to consult with a fully qualified medical physician.

UKAS will not be responsible for the availability or content of any external sites, nor does UKAS endorse, warrant or guarantee the products, services or information offered at these other Internet sites.