Effects of weight loss after bariatric surgery on the median and ulnar nerves conduction studies

Am J Surg. 2023 Apr;225(4):753-757. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2022.11.020. Epub 2022 Nov 18.

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present study was to compare the nerve conduction study (NCS) of median and ulnar nerves before and after bariatric surgery.

Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 32 patients with BMI≥35 who were candidate for Sleeve gastrectomy. NCS of median and ulnar nerves were evaluated before and 3 months after surgery. In CTS cases, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) was completed.

Results: Eligible participants were 32 patients aged between 19 and 64 years. 20 patients including 34 hands had CTS. Severity of CTS and BCTQ scores were significantly different after surgery. Moreover, sensory amplitude, and motor NCV for both median and ulnar nerves in hands without CTS as well as sensory amplitude of ulnar nerve in hands with CTS were significantly different after bariatric surgery (P value < 0.05).

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that three months after the bariatric surgery, the clinical and electrophysiological severity of CTS shows a significant improvement.

Ethical code of study: IR.IUMS.FMD.REC.1396.15008.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Body mass index; Carpal tunnel syndrome; Nerve conduction study; Obesity; Sleeve gastrectomy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bariatric Surgery*
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome* / surgery
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Median Nerve
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Ulnar Nerve
  • Weight Loss
  • Young Adult