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Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (or abdominal cocoon)
Costas Serafimidis1, Ioannis Katsarolis, Spyros Vernadakis
14th Department of Surgery, ATTIKON University General Hospital, 12462 Haidari, Athens, Greece. costao21@yahoo.gr
BMC Surgery
|February 16, 2006
Summary
Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (abdominal cocoon) can cause recurrent small bowel obstruction. Early diagnosis through clinical suspicion and imaging is crucial for effective surgical management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (abdominal cocoon) is a rare condition.
- It is a significant cause of small bowel obstruction, particularly in adults.
- Diagnosis is often incidental during laparotomy.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old male presented with recurrent small bowel ileus over four years.
- Previous episodes resolved conservatively; pre-operative work-up was inconclusive.
- Laparotomy revealed small bowel loops encased in a fibrous capsule with adhesions.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with abdominal cocoon.
- Surgical adhesiolysis was performed.
- The patient experienced an uncomplicated recovery.
Implications:
- Recurrent small bowel ileus, especially non-strangulating, should raise suspicion for abdominal cocoon.
- Integrating clinical history, imaging, and ruling out other causes aids pre-operative diagnosis.
- Prompt diagnosis prevents intra-operative surprises and ensures appropriate surgical intervention.