A mystery wrapped in an enigma: the abdominal cocoon syndrome.

Abdominal cocoon syndrome is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction that often presents as an incidental finding at surgery, creating a management dilemma for those unfamiliar with its appearance. Surgical excision of the 'cocoon' is the mainstay of treatment. This report describes a 42-year-old patient who successfully underwent surgery in which the fibrous peritoneal membrane was dissected free from the serosal surface of the bowel.