Congenital Peritoneal Encapsulation in A Pregnant Woman: A Case Report

Congenital peritoneal encapsulation (CPE) is a very rare congenital malformation of the gastro-intestinal tract which is characterised by the presence of an accessory peritoneal membrane in which the small bowel is contained and communicates with the rest of the peritoneal cavity by means of a small opening. We report a 26-year-old primigravida who presented with an acute onset abdominal pain and was found at laparotomy to have complications resulting from CPE. The embryological basis, clinical and pathological features of the disease are also considered. Knowledge of this condition will help guide the surgeon in making prompt decision when confronted with it.