Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis--is a preoperative diagnosis possible? Report of three cases

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction that is usually diagnosed during a laparotomy; however, a preoperative diagnosis is possible. Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis can be classified as primary or idiopathic and secondary types and only about 70 cases of idiopathic type have been reported since it was first described. It is characterized by a total or partial encasement of the small bowel by a thick fibrotic membrane. This report presents a series of three cases in which a diagnosis of idiopathic SEP was made preoperatively based on the clinical features and radiological findings, which were confirmed by a laparotomy and histopathology. All of the cases were successfully managed by the excision of the membrane. This report demonstrates that based on the clinical features and radiological investigations, in the absence of other plausible etiologies for intestinal obstruction, it is possible to suspect a preoperative diagnosis of SEP, thereby preventing a "surprise" finding during a laparotomy and allowing for better management.