Blind loop syndrome pathophysiology

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:

• Achlorhydria
• dysmotility
• fistulae
• strictures

Gross Pathology

On gross pathology, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].

Microscopic Pathology

On microscopic histopathological analysis, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name]

Pathophysiology

The obstruction of a section of intestine causes ineffective bile salt mediated digestion of fats, causing fatty stools and poor absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur because the increased bacterial population can consume the vitamin.