Abdominal Cocoon Syndrome: A Laparoscopic Approach

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, or abdominal cocoon syndrome (ACS), is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in which the small bowel is encapsulated by a fibro-collagenous membrane. We present the case of a 29-year-old male who presented to us with acute intestinal obstruction. The imaging performed suggested the presence of ACS. The patient underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis and the small bowel was released. In cases of recurrent small bowel obstruction, a high index of suspicion is required for the diagnosis of ACS. Computed tomography can be a useful imaging modality, and surgery remains the mainstay of treatment.