Neurological Complication After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Foot Drop

Abstract

Background: The relationship between rapid weight loss and peroneal nerve entrapment neuropathy (PNEN) was shown in various series following bariatric surgery. Thus, we aimed to determine the occurrence of PNEN in our patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and to reveal the factors contributing to this complication.

Methods: We evaluated our series of 635 patients in terms of neurological symptoms following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, retrospectively. We recorded the preoperative data, laboratory vitamin and nutrient levels, weight loss, electromyography (EMG) findings, and treatment modalities of these patients.

Results: Seven out of 635 patients developed foot drop as a result of PNEN after bariatric surgery. The mean total weight loss for these patients was 50.6 kg in 6 months, and 63 kg in 12 months. In the laboratory analyses, we did not detect any signs of vitamin deficiency. EMG findings confirmed the diagnosis.

Conclusion: We demonstrate that rapid weight loss is correlated with the risk of foot drop incidence as a result of PNEN.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Drop foot; Neurological complications; Weight loss.