Abdominal cocoon also known as “Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis” (EPS) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction presenting as a surgical emergency. It is described as thick, white, fibrous “cocoon-like” membrane, formed by chronic intra-abdominal fibro-inflammatory process that results in formation of fibrous tissue sheets, which formed a “second abdominal cavity” containing variable amounts of bowel segments that cover, fix and ultimately constrict the gut compromising its motility. We present a case of acute intestinal obstruction due to primary idiopathic Sclerosing Encapsulating Peritonitis (SEP). The diagnosis was established and early laparotomy was done with surgical release of the entrapped bowel and complete removal of the fibrotic membrane.

Keywords: Abdominal cocoon; Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis; Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis; Intestinal obstruction.