Clinical characteristics and experience for the diagnosis and surgical treatment of abdominal cocoon / 中华普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment of the abdominal cocoon.MehodsThe clinical data of 28 patients with abdominal cocoon from Jan 2004 to Dec 2018 were analyzed retrospectively.Results:Intestinal obstruction was the main clinical manifestations (25 cases), recurrent chronic ileus(17 cases) and abdominal mass (7 cases). Preoperative imaging examination showed varying degrees of intestinal obstruction. CT or MRI scan displayed that small intestinal loops were disorganized , clustered and encased in a thickened capsule. All the cases underwent operations, showing that small bowel were encapsulated in a dense gray-white fibrous membrane. Adhesiolysis and fibrous membrane excision were done with segmental enterectomy when it was necessary. Early postoperative intestinal obstruction occured in 6 cases, all were cured by conservative treatment.Conclusions:The combination of clinical symptoms and CT or MRI may facilitate in preoperative diagnosis. Abdominal cocoon is putative diagnosis when recurrent intestinal obstruction with abdominal mass. Surgery is the therapy of choice.