Afferent Loop Syndrome - Medtick

Afferent Loop Syndrome

What is it?

It is an uncommon obstruction between stomach and the first part of the small intestine.

  • Fluids from the pancreas and bile duct flow through the first part of the small intestine up to the stomach.
  • If a partial or complete blockage happens in this part of the small intestine (also known as the afferent limb of the small intestine), then problems can occur.
  • This afferent loop syndrome can cause abdominal or back pain, nausea, and vomiting.
  • If the obstruction is severe, this could affect the pancreas, the bile duct and liver, the duodenum, and the afferent limb.

  • Afferent loop syndrome is a problem that can occur after some kinds of stomach surgery.
  • It occurs when something traps the flow of digestive juices in the afferent limb. Fluid pressure builds up in the limb and causes discomfort and nausea.
  • Common symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea, and sudden vomiting of fluid with bile in it.
  • Treatment is almost always surgery. For acute afferent loop syndrome, you may need emergency surgery.

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Causes

  • After stomach and/or intestinal surgery
  • Ulcer between stomach and first part of small intestine
  • Any narrowing between stomach and first part of small intestine that has caused the blockage
  • Twisting of the afferent limb
  • Scar tissue (adhesions) near the afferent limb after surgery
  • Cancer that blocks the afferent limb
  • Foreign bodies, such as a bezoar, a mass of impacted food

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Symptoms

  • Abdominal pain, especially in the upper part of your abdomen?
  • Nausea and fullness, especially after eating?
  • Sudden, severe vomiting of fluid with bile in it that suddenly eases the pain?
  • Chronic afferent loop syndrome may result in weight loss because of pain after eating?

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Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

Do not wait, phone for an ambulance

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Afferent Loop Syndrome in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • NHS

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References

  • https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/afferent-loop-syndrome

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