A case report of small bowel obstruction secondary to congenital peritoneal band in adult.

INTRODUCTION: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is common in adult surgical procedures, mainly due to postoperative adhesions. Acute SBO in adults without history of abdominal surgery, trauma or clinical hernia is less common and has various etiologies. Congenital band is an extremely rare cause.

PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 56-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a two-day history of abdominal pain and bilious vomiting. He had no history of abdominal surgery or any other medical problems. A contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen showed a distention of small bowel loops with transition point in the right hypochondrium. Distended loops of small bowel were located in the left side of the abdomen, whereas collapsed loops was located in the right side. The normal bowel wall enhancement was preserved. After initial treatment with intravenous fluid and nasogastric suction, he was operated. At laparoscopy a band obstructing the ileum was clearly observed. This anomalous band extending from gallbladder to transverse mesocolon caused a small window leading to internal herniation of the small bowel and obstruction. The band was coagulated and divided. Postoperative outcome was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the second postoperative day. There was no recurrence of symptoms on subsequent follow-up.

DISCUSSION: Congenital peritoneal bands are not frequently encountered in surgical practice and these bands are often difficult to classify and define. Diagnosis of acute intestinal obstruction due to CPB must be included in the differential diagnosis in any patient with no history of abdominal surgery, trauma, clinical hernia, inflammatory bowel disease or peritoneal tuberculosis.

CONCLUSION: Despite technological advances in radiology preoperative diagnosis remains difficult, however the diagnosis of SBO due to CPB must be considered in any patient with no history of abdominal surgery, Trauma or clinical hernia consulting for occlusive syndrome. The laparoscopic approach should be intended initially for its feasibility and benefits.