Cellulose granulomatous peritonitis

Abstract

The case history of a patient developing granulomatous peritonitis due to cellulose is described. At a second laparotomy following an operation for intestinal obstruction due to adhesions, the peritoneum was found to be studded with multiple, yellow nodules, closely resembling tuberculous lesions, but shown on microscopy to be tuberculoid granulomata containing cellulose fibres. The main features of the condition, which is self-limiting, and probably more common than is generally realized, are discussed.