Eosinophilic enteritis. A case for diagnostic laparoscopy

Eosinophilic enteritis is rare. This report of a single case involving the distal ileum demonstrates the importance of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of this disease. An adequate biopsied segment of intestine can be obtained using complete intracorporeal techniques and three portals. Histiopathologic confirmation will insure proper treatment. The effectiveness of laparoscopy as a diagnostic tool cannot be understated. Surgeons should continue to encourage its use in similar patients with ill-defined abdominal pain, nonspecific laboratory results, and radiographic findings that are inconclusive and do not allow one to initiate appropriate therapy.