Comprehensive Causes And Risk Factors For Blind Loop Syndrome

When digested food stops moving or considerably slows down through a region of the intestines, the condition is called blind loop syndrome. This results in a bacteria overgrowth in the intestines and causes the body to have difficulty with absorbing nutrients. In blind loop syndrome, the affected part of the intestine is unable to absorb fat and fat-soluble vitamins because the bile salts or the substances required to digest fats do not work correctly. This causes the individual to have excessive fatty stools and a vitamin B12 deficiency. Medical imaging tests such as a CT scan and X-rays are commonly used to diagnose blind loop syndrome. Treatment for blind loop syndrome will most often begin with treating the excess growth of bacteria with antibiotics. If that measure proves ineffective, a surgical procedure may be required to restore the flow of food through the intestines.