Good nutritional control may prevent polyneuropathy after bariatric surgery

Previously we showed that peripheral neuropathy occurs after bariatric surgery and was associated with malnutrition (mainly sensory polyneuropathy). This study asks whether a multidisciplinary approach to bariatric surgery lowers risk for developing peripheral neuropathy. We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients with bariatric surgery at the Mayo Clinic between 1985 and 2002. Patients underwent intensive nutritional management before and after surgery. Potential risk factors were analyzed using life-table methods (Cox regression). Univariate analysis showed the following risk factors: increased serum glycosylated hemoglobin and triglycerides, prolonged hospitalization, postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms, and nausea and vomiting. Peripheral neuropathy occurred less frequently (7% vs. 13%, P < 0.01) and specifically the sensory polyneuropathy subtype (1% vs. 7%, P < 0.0001) than in our prior cohort. A systematic, multidisciplinary approach of intensive nutritional management before and after surgery with frequent follow-up greatly decreased development of peripheral neuropathy (especially sensory polyneuropathy) in patients receiving bariatric surgery.