Laparoscopic diagnosis and management of an abdominal cocoon: a case report and literature review.

Abdominal cocoon is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction. It is characterized by the encasement of a variable length of the small intestine by a fibrous membrane. It occurs primarily in females with only few reported cases in males. We report the case of a 42-year-old male with a history suggestive of recurrent attacks of small bowel obstruction over a 6-month period, which used to resolve spontaneously or by conservative measures. At presentation, a mildly tender mobile mass was felt in the right lower part of the abdomen. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed clusters of small bowel loops encased within a well-delineated sac. The diagnosis was confirmed by diagnostic laparoscopy. Laparoscopic lyses and release of the entrapped bowel was performed. The postoperative period was uneventful. Follow-up over 18 months showed no clinical evidence of recurrence.