A case of acute afferent loop syndrome treated by endoscopic decompression

Abstract

A 67-year-old woman underwent distal gastrectomy (Billroth type II reconstruction) for gastric ulcer perforation in March, 2001. In October of the same year, she was admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of acute afferent loop syndrome with severe acute pancreatitis. The patient was successfully treated by endoscopic decompression of the afferent loop, followed by continuous drainage. Combined use of decompression and percutaneous abscess drainage was effective for the management of the retroperitoneal abscess. The most common treatment strategy employed for acute afferent loop syndrome is surgical therapy, however, the experience in this patient suggests that endoscopic drainage, which is less invasive, may also be considered.