A rare complication of adjustable gastric banding: Wernicke's encephalopathy

Background: Wernicke's encephalopathy is an uncommon complication seen afte r morbid obesity surgery. Neurological and cardiac symptoms can occur. Earl y and adequate replacement of thiamin is crucial. Methods: A patient, who was operated by adjustable silicone gastric banding had severe vomiting 1 week after the operation. Physical examination showe d no abnormalities except neurological signs consisting of ataxia, disorien tation and diplopia. All radiological and biochemical parameters were in th e normal range. Result: After replacement of vitamin B-1 (thiamin) intravenously 20 mg twic e daily, all the neurological signs regressed day by day. Oral thiamin pill s have been continued. Conclusion: Wernicke's encephalopathy which occurs as a result of thiamin d eficiency is a rare complication that has serious morbidity with rapidly pr ogressing neurologic symptoms, and must be treated immediately. Surgeons wh o treat morbidly obese patients must follow the metabolic and nutritional s tatus of the patient.