Wernicke encephalopathy after gastrointestinal surgery: Clinical analysis of 11 cases

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical manifestations,diagnosis and treatment of Wernicke encephalopathy after gastrointestinal surgery.Methods A retrospective study was performed on 11 patients with Wernicke encephalopathy after gastrointestinal surgery in Wuhan Union Hospital from January 2008 to May 2013.Results All the 11 patients had the definite history of deficient vitamin B1 intake,following severe postoperative complications in 9 cases.Wernicke encephalopathy occurred 9 to 23 days (mean 15 ± 4 days) after surgery.The clinical manifestations included mental or memory impairment (9 cases),eye signs (5 cases),cerebellar dysfunction (4 cases).7 patients had characteristic manifestations on MRI examination.9 patients were completely recovered and 2 were relieved after supplement of vitamin B1.Conclusions Surgeons should be on the alert against Wernicke encephalopathy in postoperative patients especially those suffering from complications and enough vitamin B1 supplement during the perioperative period is the key to prevent and treat Wernicke encephalopathy. Key words: Wernicke encephalopathy; Thiamine ; Postoperative complications