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Blind loop syndrome

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Alternative Names:

Stasis syndrome; Stagnant loop syndrome

Treatment:

The initial treatment generally involves antibiotics for the bacterial overgrowth, along with vitamin B12 supplementation. If antibiotics are not successful, surgical correction of the obstruction to allow better flow of food through the intestine may be considered.

Expectations (prognosis):

Many patients respond to antibiotics. If surgical repair is required, the outcome is typically very good.

Complications:

• Intestinal infarction (death of intestine)
• Complete intestinal obstruction
• Perforation (hole) of intestine

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms occur that are suggestive of blind loop syndrome.

• Review Date: 7/25/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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