Blind loop syndrome

Causes and Risks:
Blind loop syndrome is a complication that occurs after a subtotal gastrectomy (surgical removal of part of the stomach) or as a complication of inflammatory bowel disease or scleroderma . Distention, decreased flow, or stasis of intestinal contents causes the symptoms. Increased bacterial growth occurs as a result of decreased flow. Bile salts needed to digest fats are ineffective, resulting in fatty stools and poor absorption of fat and fat soluble vitamins . Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur due to bacterial uptake of the vitamin. The conditions that cause the disease are also the risk factors.

Prevention:
This may be an unpreventable complication of the conditions associated with it.

Symptoms:



Signs and Tests:
Examination of the abdomen reveals a mass or distention.



Treatment:
The objective of treatment is surgical correction of the obstruction to allow better flow of food through the intestine. Bacterial overgrowth can be controlled by antibiotics. Supplemental vitamin B12 is given for deficiency.

Prognosis:
The outcome is expected to be good with surgical reconstruction.

Complications:



Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms occur that are suggestive of blind loop syndrome.


This illustration shows the major organs of the digestive system. Their relative sizes and positioning in the body are also demonstrated.