Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis: A rare cause of small bowel obstruction

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP), also known as abdominal cocoon syndrome, represents a rare cause of small bowel obstruction.

Herein we report an uncommon case of small bowel obstruction caused by SEP in a 30-year-old male with no prior surgical history who presented to the emergency department. The patient was diagnosed with SEP on preoperative CT scan and underwent a therapeutic laparotomy with extensive adhesiolysis. His symptoms resolved postoperatively and he was discharged in a good condition.

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis is more prevalent in men, and has a higher incidence in tropical and subtropical countries. The exact pathophysiology of the disease in not well understood, but subclinical intra-abdominal inflammation is theorized to result in a thick fibrocollagenous membrane encapsulating intra-peritoneal organs which leads to intestinal obstruction. The disease is categorized into primary and secondary SEP depending on identification of a pathologic factor. It is further divided into 3 sub-types according to the extent of the peritoneal membrane encasement observed intra-operatively. Patients often present with recurrent history of small bowel obstruction in the absence of prior abdominal surgery. Computed tomography of the abdomen with experienced radiologist interpretation can aid in preoperative diagnosis. In patients with recurrent obstructions and failure of non-operative management, surgical adhesiolysis remains the gold standard.

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction. The exact pathogenesis is not well understood. The main line of treatment is surgical adhesiolysis and excision of the intra-abdominal fibrocollagenous membrane.