Causes and risk factors
Blind loop syndrome occurs as a result of some surgeries such as abdominal surgery, radiation therapy, structural abnormalities in the intestine, fistula between two segments of bowel, injury to the small bowel, intestinal adhesions, or some medical conditions such diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease.
Clinical presentation
Small intestine has relatively less bacterial flora like large intestine. In blind loop syndrome the food becomes stagnant. This becomes ideal breeding ground for the bacteria. Bacteria produce toxins and prevent absorption of nutrients into the blood. Digestion becomes difficult. Substances needed to digest fat [bile salts] do not function properly leading to fatty stools [steatorrhoea]. It presents as fullness after meal and bloating in abdomen, pain in abdomen, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting,
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Routine blood tests, abdominal X ray, abdominal CT scan are the diagnostic measures. Other tests are barium X ray, CT enterography to check bacterial growth.
Treatment
Treatment involves correcting nutritional deficiencies and preventing bacterial growth by antibiotics course, lactose free diet, and nutritional supplements. Supportive care is given to prevent further infection. Prokinetic medicines will improve the gastric motility. Antiemetic medicines, antacids to control nausea and vomiting. Nutrition by intravenous fluids can be advised in severe cases. Surgical repair of blind loop will contribute further to the treatment.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating blind loop syndrome. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating blind loop syndrome.
