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.
John Hopkins Medicine
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
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