Possible development of idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis
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Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis (CASP) - a Standardized Model for Polymicrobial Abdominal Sepsis
Published on: December 18, 2010
H Yanagi1, M Kusunoki, T Yamamura
1Second Department of Surgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
We report a rare case of idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP). During a laparotomy before undergoing a distal gastrectomy with Billroth II reconstruction for early gastric cancer, the patient was found to have a membranous encapsulation wrapping each small bowel loop, unlike peritoneal encapsulation or typical SEP. He had complained of persistent heartburn, distension and diarrhea for 2 months in the post-operative course. The second laparotomy, which was performed to improve prolonged transit, revealed typical SEP with a thick and fibrotic membrane that encased the small bowel entirely. Stripping of the sclerosing encasing membrane, separation of the adherent loops of the proximal small bowel, and Braun's anastomosis were performed. The patient complained of epigastric fullness and diarrhea after he was relieved from the complete bowel obstruction for 45 days post-operatively. Trimebutine maleate was administrated 5 months after the second operation and this markedly improved his symptoms. This case might reflect the developmental process of idiopathic SEP. In addition, the use of a motility regulator may improve symptoms related to the abnormal intestinal motility by this disease.
Insights
This case study details a rare instance of idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP), a condition causing bowel obstruction. Early intervention and motility regulators improved patient outcomes, offering insights into SEP development.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare condition characterized by a fibrous membrane encasing the small bowel.
- Idiopathic SEP presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, often requiring surgical intervention.
Observation:
- A patient undergoing distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer developed unusual membranous encapsulation of small bowel loops post-operatively.
- A subsequent laparotomy revealed typical SEP with a thick, fibrotic membrane causing complete small bowel encasement and prolonged transit issues.
Findings:
- Surgical lysis of adhesions and membrane stripping, along with Braun's anastomosis, were performed.
- Post-operatively, the patient experienced persistent epigastric fullness and diarrhea.
- Administration of trimebutine maleate significantly improved symptoms, suggesting a role for motility regulation.
Implications:
- This case may illustrate a potential developmental pathway for idiopathic SEP.
- Motility regulators could be beneficial in managing symptoms associated with abnormal intestinal motility in SEP patients.
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