Blind loop syndrome

Stasis syndrome; Stagnant loop syndrome

The name of this condition refers to the "blind loop" formed by part of the intestine that is bypassed. This blockage does not allow digested food to flow normally through the intestinal tract.

The substances needed to digest fats (called bile salts) do not work as they should when a section of the intestine is affected by blind loop syndrome. This prevents fat and fat-soluble vitamins from being absorbed into the body. It also leads to fatty stools. Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur because the extra bacteria that form in the blind loop use up this vitamin.

Blind loop syndrome is a complication that occurs:

• After many operations, including subtotal gastrectomy (surgical removal of part of the stomach) and operations for extreme obesity
• As a complication of inflammatory bowel disease

Diseases such as diabetes or scleroderma may slow down movement in a segment of the intestine, leading to blind loop syndrome.

Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Fatty stools
• Fullness after a meal
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Unintentional weight loss

During a physical exam, the health care provider may notice a mass in, or swelling of, the abdomen. Possible tests include:

• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal x-ray
• Blood tests to check nutritional status
• Upper GI series with small bowel follow through contrast x-ray

Treatment most often starts with antibiotics for the excess bacteria growth, along with vitamin B12 supplements. If antibiotics are not effective, surgery may be needed to help food flow through the intestines.

Many people get better with antibiotics. If surgical repair is needed, the outcome is often very good.

Complications may include:

• Complete intestinal obstruction
• Death of intestine (intestinal infarction)
• Hole (perforation) in intestine
• Malabsorption and malnutrition

Call your provider if you have symptoms of blind loop syndrome.