Blind loop syndrome occurs when part of the small intestine forms a loop that food bypasses during digestion. The presence of this "blind loop" means food may not move normally through the digestive tract.
Slowly moving food and waste products become a breeding ground for bacteria. The result â bacterial overgrowth â often causes diarrhea and may cause weight loss and malnutrition.
Sometimes called stasis syndrome or stagnant loop syndrome, blind loop syndrome is often a complication of stomach (abdominal) surgery. But blind loop syndrome can also result from structural problems and some diseases. Sometimes surgery is needed to correct the problem, but antibiotics are the most common treatment.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Signs and symptoms of blind loop syndrome often include:
Bloating, nausea and diarrhea are signs and symptoms of many intestinal problems. See your doctor for a full evaluation â especially if you've had abdominal surgery â if you have:
If you have severe abdominal pain, get immediate medical care.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
The small intestine is the longest section of your digestive tract, measuring about 20 feet (6.1 meters). The small intestine is where food mixes with digestive juices and nutrients are absorbed into your bloodstream.
Unlike your large intestine (colon), your small intestine normally has relatively few bacteria. But in blind loop syndrome, stagnant food in the bypassed small intestine becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria may produce toxins as well as block the absorption of nutrients.
The greater the length of small bowel involved in the blind loop, the greater the chance of bacterial overgrowth.
Blind loop syndrome can be caused by:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
The first step in diagnosing blind loop syndrome is usually an imaging test, such as:
You may have additional tests to check for bacterial overgrowth in your small intestine, poor fat absorption, or other problems that may be causing or contributing to your symptoms:
If your doctor believes that bacterial overgrowth is very likely, he or she may begin treatment with antibiotics immediately without specific testing.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
A blind loop can cause escalating problems, including:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Factors that increase your risk of blind loop syndrome include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
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