[Pathophysiologic significance of small intestine flora in the stagnant loop syndrome]

A report is given about a 53 years old man with a "stagnant loop syndrome" associated with a diverticulosis of the whole small intestine and colon. Steatorrhoea was the main clinical symptom. The classification, distribution and frequency of intestinal diverticulosis is based on radiological results. The pathological values of the absorption tests prompted for a discussion of new examinations in the "stagnant loop syndrome". The property of the intestinal bacteria to influence the absorption of fat, xylose and vitamin B12 is stressed. Finally the possible methods of treating the diverticulosis with "stagnant loop syndrome" are discussed.