Bowel operation scar. Midline abdominal scar following an operation to correct a twisted bowel. This is the portion of the wound that runs upwards from the navel. The wound was closed with staples that have now been removed, leaving the pinpoint scars seen either side of the main wound. Adhesive strips (Steristrips, white, lower centre) continue to hold the edges of the wound together. A twisted bowel arises when a loop of the intestines, which are mobile within the abdomen, becomes twisted and tangled. This may lead to compression of the blood vessels to the loop, cutting off the blood flow and leading to tissue death (gangrene). Emergency surgery is required to correct the condition.