[Acute liver failure after bariatric surgery. A case report and literature review]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is common among morbidly obese people. Bariatric surgery is increasingly used in this population to control weight but is not free of risks. We present the case of a 28-year-old morbidly obese woman who underwent gastroplasty with intestinal resection and a gastro-jejunal anastomosis. Eleven months later, and with a weight reduction of 35%, the patient developed acute liver failure. A biopsy showed severe steatohepatitis and fibrosis. After prolonged hospital stay and management that consisted of support measures, nutritional assistance, N-acetyl cysteine, zinc and vitamin E, liver function was restored. A follow-up biopsy showed marked regression of the initial findings. Bariatric surgery has many beneficial effects. However, even with the most up-to-date techniques, complications can occur. Familiarity with these complications is important for their prevention and treatment.