Bifid omental band: an unusual cause of small bowel obstruction

Abstract

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) in adults is most commonly caused by postoperative adhesions, hernias or neoplasms. Here, we report a unique case of SBO caused by a bifid omental band in a 65-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography showed dilation of mid-small bowel suggestive of partial SBO. An abdominal x-ray and small bowel series confirmed a high grade SBO. When initial conservative treatment failed, exploratory laparoscopy was performed and it was discovered that the patient had a bifid omental band encircling the small bowel, resulting in obstruction. Following resection of the band, she had an uneventful post-surgical recovery.