Peripheral Neuropathies after Bariatric Surgery: A Current Review

Abstract

Introduction: Bariatric surgery (BS) is an effective method for sustained weight loss and better quality of life. However, it has its complications. Among those, peripheral neuropathies are important, although underdiagnosed, complications after the surgery. Objective: The objective of this article is to describe the most prevalent peripheral neuropathies that may happen after BS, especially focusing on small fiber neuropathies, and the main nutritional deficits involved in these neuropathies. Methods: It was made a non-systematic review on PubMed/Medline database. Results: 32 articles were included. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to estimate the prevalence of peripheral neuropathies after BS, especially small fiber neuropathy. This lack of epidemiological studies corroborates to the underdiagnosis. We suggest researchers to make a prospective cohort about Small fiber neuropathy after BS.