Wernicke Encephalopathy: a Future Problem Even After Sleeve Gastrectomy? A Systematic Literature Review

Obes Surg. 2016 Jan;26(1):205-12. doi: 10.1007/s11695-015-1927-9.

Abstract

Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is a serious complication of bariatric surgery with significant morbidity and mortality. A few cases have been reported in the literature, mainly in patients after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Since sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become a more established and popular bariatric procedure, WE is expected to appear more frequently after SG. We performed a literature review on WE after SG, and 13 cases have been found to be sufficiently documented. The risk of WE needs to be considered in patients with a prolonged vomiting episode and any type of neurological symptoms, independent of the presence of any surgical complications.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Gastrectomy / adverse effects*
  • Gastrectomy / methods
  • Humans
  • Obesity, Morbid / surgery
  • Wernicke Encephalopathy / etiology*