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06-10-2023 | Bariatric Surgery | Review

Wernicke Encephalopathy After Bariatric Surgery: a Literature Review

Authors: Allen T. Yu, Aliza Gross, Koji Park, Eugenius J. Harvey

Published in: Obesity Surgery | Issue 11/2023

Abstract

Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is an acute neurological disorder classically characterized by ataxia, ophthalmoplegia, and altered mental status. This is caused by thiamine deficiency and is usually seen in malnourished populations. However, with the advent and rise of bariatric surgery in the last 50 years, WE has become an increasingly recognized and potentially deadly complication. Here, we review the populations at risk, clinical presentation, and the incidence of WE in the bariatric surgery population from 1985 to 2023. While the predominant procedure shifts throughout the years, the overall incidence of WE per 100,000 cases for the following procedures are sleeve gastrectomy (1.06), gastric band (1.16), RYGB (4.29), and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (8.92). Thus, early intervention and post-operative supplementation is recommended to prevent WE.

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Title: Wernicke Encephalopathy After Bariatric Surgery: a Literature Review
Authors: Allen T. Yu
Aliza Gross
Koji Park
Eugenius J. Harvey
Publication date: 06-10-2023
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric Surgery
Encephalopathy
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Obesity
Obesity
Vomiting
Published in: Obesity Surgery / Issue 11/2023
Print ISSN: 0960-8923
Electronic ISSN: 1708-0428
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-023-06840-8

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Wernicke Encephalopathy After Bariatric Surgery: a Literature Review

Abstract

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Abstract

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