Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis: complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. It is difficult to make a definite preoperative diagnosis, and most cases are diagnosed at the time of laparotomy. It is usually of unknown origin, although, at times, it may be seen secondary to a variety of conditions. Spillage of bile and gallstones at laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an unusual cause of SEP and has not been reported in literature, to date. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen revealed small-bowel loops congregated to the center of the abdomen encased by a soft-tissue density mantle with loculated fluid in the interloop bowel location. Excision of the sac and adhesiolysis was done in our patient for recurrent episodes of intestinal obstruction, who recovered well in the postoperative period.