Blind loop syndrome pathophysiology
Overview
Blind loop syndrome is a medical condition that occurs when the intestine is obstructed, slowing or stopping the progress of digested food, and thus facilitating the growth of bacteria to the point that problems in nutrient absorption occur.
Pathophysiology
Physiology
The overgrowth of the bacteria in the intestine is prevented by the constant peristaltic movements of the bowel, and also by the presence of chemicals like gastric secretions, bile and pancreatic secretions.
Pathogenesis:
Whenever there is obstruction to the constant peristaltic movements of the small intestine, either due toanatomical causes, surgical causes or physiological causes, it causes stagnation of the bowel contents, bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine leading to blind loop syndrome.
Due to the stagnation and decreased peristaltic movements, the digestive processes are disrupted, leading to malabsorption of bile salts, fat, fat soluble vitamins,carbohydrates, proteins.
Associated Conditions
Conditions associated with blind loop syndrome include:
Gross Pathology
On gross pathology, distension of the bowl loop can be seen in the blind loop syndrome.
Microscopic Pathology
On microscopic histo pathological analysis, there can be injury to the intestinal wall.
Pathophysiology
The obstruction of a section of intestine causes ineffective bile salt mediated digestion of fats, causing fatty stools and poor absorption of fat andfat-soluble vitamins. CyanocobalaminVitamin B12 deficiency may occur because the increased bacterial population can consume the vitamin.