Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis--a review.

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a syndrome of multiple causes which, perhaps via a common pathway, affects the small bowel in particular. When persistent intestinal obstruction develops, laparotomy and careful disobstruction of the bowel are indicated. Generally, the prognosis of SEP depends on its cause and the premorbid condition of the individual patient.