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Encyclopedia -> Disease -> B -> Blind loop syndrome Causes and Risks: Blind loop syndrome is a complication that occurs after many operations, including subtotal gastrectomy (surgical removal of part of the stomach), operations for morbid obesity, or as a complication of inflammatory bowel disease or scleroderma. Distention, decreased flow, or stasis of intestinal contents in the loop of intestine causes he symptoms. Increased bacterial growth occurs as a result of decreased flow. Bile salts needed to digest fats are ineffective, resulting in fatty stools andpoor absorption of fat and fat soluble vitamins. Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur due to bacterial uptake of the vitamin. 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. Surgery is usually required to correct the anatomic defect in the intestine. Bacterial overgrowth can sometimes be controlled with antibiotics. Supplemental vitamin B12 is given for deficiency. Prognosis: The outcome is expected to be good with surgical repair. Complications:
Call your health care provider if symptoms occur that are suggestive of blind loop syndrome.
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