Neurological Complications of Bariatric Surgery: A Review of 15 Patients (P3.380)

Objective:To describe the neurological complications seen after bariatric surgery in 15 patients. Background:Obesity continues to rise in all countries, and its worldwide prevalence has doubled between 1980 and 2014. In 2014, an estimated 39[percnt] of adults aged 18 years and older were overweight. Obesity is associated with poor health outcomes and all-cause mortality, and bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity and its related comorbidities. However, as the number of patients undergoing bariatric procedures is rising, the incidence of neurological complications continues to rise. Methods:We describe 15 patients who presented with various neurological complications after bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve and/or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass). These patients were seen over 3 years at a University Hospital. Results:The patients had various neurological conditions that occurred within different time frame after the bariatric procedures. The most common neurological complication seen was sensorimotor polyneuropathy, either axonal or mixed axonal-demyelinating type (n: 6; 40[percnt] of patients), developing between 5 and 24 months post-surgery. Other neurological complications encountered were compression mononeuropathies (n: 3; 20[percnt]), Wernicke9s encephalopathy (n: 2; 13[percnt]), monophasic central nervous system demyelination (n: 2; 13[percnt]), and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, ocular myasthenia gravis, and worsening of pre-existing autonomic neuropathy (one patient each). Conclusions:Neurological complications after bariatric surgery are not uncommon. They may have devastating consequences if not recognized and managed in a timely manner. Some of these complications may happen many years after the bariatric surgery, and physicians need to be alert to these conditions. Disclosure: Dr. Falah has nothing to disclose. Dr. Al-Ghawi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Adnan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Al-Sarawi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Al-Harbi has nothing to disclose.