A case of ileus due to an appendix epiploica

Abstract

A 79-year-old woman who had an abdominal pain and vomiting admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of ileus. An ileus tube was inserted and the fluoroscopic study of the small intestine revealed narrowing of the two parts, jejunum and the ileum. Because no improvement was obtained by conservative treatment, an operation was performed. We observed that an appendix epiploica of the sigmoid colon extended long, and its tip was adherent to the retroperitoneum. The small intestine was impacted into the aperture formed by the band. Seventeen cases with intestinal obstruction due to an appendix epiploica have been reported in Japan, including this case.