[Wernicke's encephalopathy as a complication of bariatric surgery]

Wernicke's encephalopathy is an acute, serious brain disorder resulting from thiamine deficiency, which is important as a cofactor in several enzymes associated with carbohydrate metabolism. The encephalopathy is most often associated with severe alcohol abuse, but thiamine deficiency can be caused by many other medical conditions. Bariatric surgery is listed among the causes of Wernicke's encephalopathy. This review provides a brief overview of the risk factors that cause thiamine deficiency, along with clinical features, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures important for timely recognition, therapy and prophylaxis of Wernicke's encephalopathy that occurs as a complication of bariatric surgery.