An incidental intra-operative finding of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, "abdominal cocoon" in an emergency presentation of small bowel obstruction, a case report

Abdominal cocoon syndrome (ACS): a case report of a Chinese male diagnosed idiopathic ACS with inborn short intestine

Introduction and importance

Abdominal cocoon syndrome (ACS), as a rare cause of mechanical intestinal obstruction, can be divided into primary/idiopathic vs. secondary type. The primary ACS is often asymptomatic and only diagnosed in exploratory laparotomy. The major treatment of surgery can be challenging. Since the gut wall and peritoneum are densely adhered, gut perforation might occur during adhesiolysis. Thus, it is important to have an experienced surgeon to perform the surgery.

Case presentation

The authors present a primary ACS case of a 50-year-old man. The patient demonstrated an unbearable upper abdominal pain upon admission. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed a severe bowel obstruction. An exploratory laparotomy was indicated, leading to the diagnosis of ACS, which was considered idiopathic after ruling out secondary factors. An adhesiolysis was performed successfully. Note that the entire intestine measured was only 2.1 m during the surgery. There was no post-surgical complication. The patient was recovered uneventfully.

Clinical discussion

The aetiology of primary ACS is unknown. The incidence is comparatively low and considered equal between men and women. As a rare cause of gut obstruction, the suspicion of the diagnosis should be strengthened. Surgery including adhesiolysis and bowel resection remains the major treatment. If adhesiolysis fails, bowel resection will be inevitable. The knowledge and experience of surgeon will be tested.

Conclusion

The aetiology of primary ACS should be further explored. And the differential diagnosis of bowel obstruction should cover ACS in order for the surgeon to be prepared before surgery.