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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffBlind loop syndrome occurs when part of the small intestine is bypassed and cut off from the normal flow of food and digestive juices.
The bypassed portion of intestine, known as a blind loop, leads to a series of problems. Food can't pass through the loop, and digestive fluids stagnate. As a result, food ferments, encouraging bacterial growth and interfering with absorption of essential nutrients. Blind loop syndrome often leads to diarrhea, weight loss and malnutrition.
Blind loop syndrome — sometimes called stasis syndrome or stagnant loop syndrome — often occurs as a complication of abdominal surgery. But blind loop syndrome can also result from structural defects and some diseases. Although blind loop syndrome occasionally requires surgery, most people respond well to antibiotics.
- Turnage RH, et al. Abdominal wall, umbilicus, peritoneum, mesenteries, omentum, and retroperitoneum. In: Townsend CM, et al. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/164856770-3/902155171/1565/469.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3675-3..50052-6--cesec137_2746. Accessed Oct. 13, 2009.
- Vanderhoof JA, et al. Pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of bacterial overgrowth. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 13, 2009.
- Bacterial overgrowth syndrome: Malabsorption syndromes. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec02/ch017/ch017b.html. Accessed Oct. 13, 2009.
- Vanderhoof JA, et al. Treatment of bacterial overgrowth. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 13, 2009.
- Kahn E, et al. Anatomy, histology, embryology, and developmental anomalies of the small and large intestine. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/164856770-5/902188062/1389/733.html#4-u1.0-B1-4160-0245-6..50104-9--cesec7_4663. Accessed Oct. 13, 2009.
- Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 21, 2009.
