Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP), also referred to as abdominal cocoon syndrome, is a rare cause of bowel obstruction characterized by a thickened fibrous peritoneum that encapsulates the intestines. The exact etiology is idiopathic but may be associated with long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). In the absence of risk factors for adhesive disease, preoperative diagnosis can be difficult and may require operative intervention or advanced imaging to diagnose. Thus, the inclusion of SEP in the differential diagnosis for bowel obstruction is essential for early detection. Existing literature is focused on renal disease as an origin, but it can be multifactorial. Here, we discuss a case of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis in a patient without known risk factors.
Keywords: acute care surgery; bowel obstruction; general surgery; sclerosing peritonitis; trauma acute care.