Blind loop syndrome occurs mainly after surgical interventions in certain sections of the intestine. It describes the disturbed absorption of nutrients. The same is triggered by a build-up of nutrient residues and bacteria in protuberances.
What is Blind Snare Syndrome?
The disease is known by various names. In addition to blind loop syndrome, the clinical picture is also called blind bag syndrome or blind loop syndrome. The name derives from the place where the problems occur. For what is testicular cancer, please visit gradinmath.com.
Typically, blind loop syndrome is a result of alimentary mucus buildup in a blind portion of a loop of bowel used, for example, for a side-to-side bowel anastomosis. The bacterial colonization resulting from the congestion disturbs the intestinal flora and leads to a number of complaints.
Because of this, the body uses a larger amount of vitamin B12. Those affected therefore often suffer from a vitamin B12 deficiency, the causes of which should be clarified as soon as possible in order to prevent further complications.
Causes
The congestion referred to in blind sac syndrome occurs in a passage of the bowel that is cut off from the usual bowel passage. One of the reasons for the development of such a section of intestine are diverticula. Protrusions of the intestinal wall are referred to as such. An even more common cause, however, is appendix surgery, in which certain sections of the intestine had to be removed.
Bacteria accumulate in a so-called blind loop due to the congested intestinal contents. The same are responsible for irritation of the mucous membrane and other digestive disorders. Symptoms are often attributed to psychological stress or irritable bowel syndrome. Therefore, complaints should be examined more closely, especially after operations in the area of the small intestine.
Symptoms, Ailments & Signs
The symptoms of the syndrome are very non-specific and could also indicate various other diseases of the intestinal tract. For this reason, it is important to have a precise examination by a doctor. For example, a symptom is diarrhea.
This occurs due to the bacterial imbalance and deconjugation of bile acid. Pain that occurs some time after eating is also typical. You may experience bloating, gas, and nausea. Depending on the case, general malaise and vomiting occur.
Fatty stools are often the result of malabsorption of fats. This manifests itself as foamy and sticky stool. It is usually accompanied by an unpleasant, sour smell. With fatty stool, up to ten grams of fat are excreted per day.
However, fatty stool does not only occur in blind loop syndrome, but can also be a consequence of food intolerance or diseases of the pancreas. If a nutrient deficiency occurs as a result of the syndrome of the blind loop, the doctor speaks of malassimilation syndrome.
Occurring vitamin B12 deficiency manifests itself, among other things, in states of exhaustion, nerve damage, anemia and mental disorders. Such a defect is often not recognized until late. Therefore, if blind loop syndrome is suspected, the body’s nutrient balance should be checked.
The body cannot produce vitamin B12 itself. Therefore, he is absolutely dependent on the intake of the same from food. If it cannot be absorbed due to illness or if large quantities are consumed, symptoms of deficiency occur.
Diagnosis & course of disease
Of course, the patient cannot make the diagnosis himself. However, it is important that he provides the doctor treating you with all the information that could be related to the symptoms. For example, the expert learns about previous operations from the anamnesis.
This information will lead him to the blind snare syndrome. For this reason, the medical history of the patient is very important for a correct diagnosis. If there is a suspicion, a blood test will provide certainty, among other things. Here the doctor will determine nutrient deficiencies and order imaging procedures.
These are intended to cement suspicion. If blind loop syndrome is not recognized and becomes chronic, weight loss can occur. In addition, the vitamin deficiency leads to anemia in the long term. Funicular myelosis can also develop. This is a neurological disease that primarily affects the legs. It is accompanied by pain and sensory disturbances.
Complications
Due to the syndrome of the blind loop, those affected primarily suffer from impaired absorption of nutrients through the intestine. Severe diarrhea occurs, especially after operations. Those affected can also suffer from pain in the area of the lower abdomen and have a feeling of fullness or flatulence. Furthermore, nausea and general malaise also occur, which have a very negative effect on the quality of life of those affected.
In severe cases, this can also lead to vomiting. If fats are not absorbed, those affected also suffer from a fatty stool and thus possibly from being underweight. Anemia or general fatigue can also occur as a result of the blind loop syndrome and make everyday life more difficult for those affected.
Since certain trace elements are no longer properly absorbed by the intestine, deficiency symptoms can occur. As a rule, blind loop syndrome can be treated relatively well with the use of medication. There are no complications. Some trace elements must be taken through dietary supplements to compensate for their loss.
When should you go to the doctor?
In the case of blind snare syndrome, the person affected definitely needs to see a doctor. In most cases, this complaint occurs after the procedure on the intestines, so that the person concerned is usually still in a hospital, so that immediate diagnosis and treatment can also be carried out. However, the patient must make the doctor aware of the blind loop syndrome and, in any case, report the symptoms and discomfort.
The doctor should be contacted if the patient suffers from severe diarrhea. There is also very severe pain in the stomach and intestines, with most of those affected also suffering from flatulence and a strong feeling of fullness. Most of those affected appear tired and exhausted due to the syndrome of the blind snare and can no longer actively participate in everyday life.
In the case of blind snare syndrome, the attending physician or a general practitioner can be approached. Further treatment then depends on the exact cause of the syndrome. Complete healing cannot be universally predicted.
Treatment & Therapy
The blind loop syndrome is treated with medication on the one hand and surgery on the other. As a rule, the patient cannot avoid another operation. The blind sac is usually removed during the procedure. Medicines are given to fight the symptoms and the germs.
This conservative therapy is usually carried out with antibiotics and bile acid-binding drugs. Tetracyclines and cholestyramine are often used here. Additionally, doctors usually advise dietary supplements to prevent complications.
This includes, above all, that the patient takes vitamin B12 consciously and in larger quantities than before. Otherwise long-term effects can occur due to the deficiency symptoms.
Prevention
In order to prevent the syndrome of the blind sling, it should be carefully weighed up before an operation how useful the intervention is. As a rule, elimination operations are avoided in the case of benign diseases. In addition, those affected should contact experienced doctors in particular if they have concerns and discuss possible complications with them in detail.
If the patient is afraid of possible consequences, he should tell the surgeon about it. In addition, a careful follow-up examination should be carried out after the surgical intervention. Otherwise, those affected should consult a doctor as soon as possible if symptoms persist – especially after operations. Later problems can only be avoided if the problems are clarified as quickly as possible.
Aftercare
Blind loop syndrome can be treated with surgery or medication. After a surgical procedure, in which the blind sac is usually removed, the patient must first take it easy. The aftercare includes a conversation with the patient, during which any complaints are clarified, and the surgical wound is also examined.
The procedure usually runs smoothly and the patient does not require any further physical aftercare. If drug therapy is carried out using cholestyramine or vitamin B12 preparations, the doctor must regularly check the intake and effectiveness of the preparations. Any side effects and interactions of the often chronic symptoms must be clarified by a doctor. Since blind loop syndrome occurs repeatedly in many patients, the causal treatment is also the focus of follow-up care.
The doctor gives valuable advice on how to improve diet and lifestyle in general, which can help prevent the syndrome from recurring. The specialist is responsible for aftercare for blind loop syndrome. If necessary, the doctor can refer the patient to another specialist who will clarify the side effects of the blind loop syndrome. In addition, the cause of the syndrome must be determined beyond doubt. For patients who are overweight, further advice from a nutritionist is advisable.
You can do that yourself
Blind loop syndrome is usually treated with surgery or medication. In addition, vitamin B12 supplementation is advisable in order to avoid secondary problems such as anemia and nutrient deficiencies. Special precautions apply after bowel surgery. The patient must take it easy and follow the doctor’s dietary requirements.
If symptoms such as dizziness, malaise and difficulty concentrating occur, this indicates that the blind loop syndrome has not been completely cured. Then further measures must be taken, mostly medication or postoperatively, to relieve the symptoms. Patients diagnosed with blind loop syndrome also need to balance their diet with fats, carbohydrates, and minerals that the intestines cannot absorb in sufficient quantities. In order to avoid weight gain and other complaints, the diet should be changed in consultation with a specialist. In the best case, a nutritionist is consulted who can monitor the course of the disease.
If the symptoms of the blind sling syndrome do not go away on their own, it is advisable to visit the doctor again. Sometimes the build-up of intestinal contents leads to bacterial diseases and indigestion, which also need to be treated. Self-measures serve as a supplement to conservative therapy.
