The main cause of adhesions is surgery. Any type of surgery that involves opening up your abdomen or pelvis carries a risk of adhesions. However, adhesions can also form as a result of inflammation caused by:appendicitis, especially if your appendix ruptures; radiotherapy for cancer; a disease causing inflammation of the bowel, eg Crohn's disesase; endometriosis; or an infection such as gastroenteritis.
Attribution: BUPA