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Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis in a child secondary to peritoneal dialysis
Felicia Li-Sher Tan1, Dale Loh, Krishnan Prabhakaran
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Insights
Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, a rare complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, can cause intestinal obstruction. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing this serious condition.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP), or abdominal cocoon, is a rare complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).
- SEP presents as marked peritoneal thickening, leading to intestinal obstruction.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old male on CAPD presented with acute intestinal obstruction symptoms.
- Abdominal CT revealed clustered, distended small bowel loops with thickened, calcified peritoneum.
Findings:
- Laparotomy confirmed SEP.
- Surgical excision of the fibrocollagenous membrane was performed.
- The patient experienced prolonged ileus and required nutritional support.
Implications:
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical management are vital for SEP.
- SEP is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring high clinical awareness.
- Restarting CAPD post-surgery is feasible after recovery.
Abstract:
Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, or "abdominal cocoon," is a rare but serious complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. It is characterized by the diffuse appearance of marked sclerotic thickening of the peritoneal membrane resulting in intestinal obstruction. A 14-year-old adolescent boy with a history of end-stage renal failure on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis presented with symptoms of acute intestinal obstruction. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed distended small bowel loops clustered and displaced to the right upper quadrant. The overlying peritoneum was markedly thickened and calcified. Laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis and the patient was treated with excision of the fibrocollagenous membrane. Postoperatively, he had prolonged ileus requiring parenteral nutritional support and peritoneal dialysis was restarted on postoperative day 10. A high degree of cognizance is needed to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of this uncommon and potentially life-threatening condition.
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