Most colonic varices are attributable to portal hypertension. Intra-abdominal adhesions have been incriminated as the cause of intestinal varices only in association with portal hypertension. We present the first well-documented occurrence of adhesion-related colonic varices in the absence of portal hypertension or other known associated conditions. It is important to delineate the mesenteric vascular anatomy in order to select the appropriate surgical procedure.