Small intestinal obstruction secondary to peritoneal encapsulation - a case report

ABSTRACT

Encapsulation of the small bowel is a rare congenital anomaly in which the entire small intestine lies within an accessory peritoneal sac. It has been suggested by some authors that this anomaly is usually symptomless and could be left alone when encountered at laparotomy for an unrelated condition. This view is supported by the fact that the majority of patients in whom this condition has been discovered are in their sixth or seventh decade. However; Huddy et al. recently reported a case of small bowel obstruction due to peritoneal encapsulation. They suggested that this anomalous peritoneal sac should be removed whenever it is encountered. A similar case was recently treated in our unit and is here reported