Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis as a late complication of peritoneal dialysis

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction which is characterized by fibrotic encapsulation of the bowel. Although its pathogenesis is still not clear, many etiological factors have been stated.

In this report, we present a 26-year old woman with peritoneal dialysis related EPS. Because of the unresolving intestinal obstructive symptoms, she underwent surgical intervention in which the thick dense whitish membranous sac was excised from the surrounding intestine along with adhesiolysis. She recovered uneventfully. She is symptom-free on the eight months of follow-up.

EPS should be born in mind as a complication of the long term peritoneal dialysis in patients with progressive obstructive ileus and recurrent peritonitis. Its treatment either medically or surgically varies depending on the stage of this entity.

Early identification of EPS is important in order to achieve better prognosis.