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Iatrogenic kwashiorkor after distal gastric bypass surgery: the consequences of receiving multinational treatment

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 70, pages 635–636 (2016)Cite this article

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Abstract

Protein-calorie malnutrition or kwashiorkor is extremely rare after gastric bypass surgery. We report a case of a woman referred to a weight management clinic in the United Kingdom who developed bilateral leg oedema 2 years after gastric bypass surgery in Tunisia. Her serum albumin concentration was 24 g/l, and her body mass index was 16.2 kg/m2. A review of the postoperative report of her bariatric surgery revealed that she had undergone a distal bypass with anastomosis of the intestine at 1 m proximal to the ileocaecal valve. She required gastrostomy feeding for 6 months before undergoing revisional surgery to a proximal Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in order to restore healthy weight. We recommend that if patients are having their bariatric surgery outside of their country of residence, they should always obtain a copy of the operative notes so that these are readily available if complications arise.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, UK

    R Pitt

  2. Department of Surgery, Torbay Hospital, Devon, UK

    P L Z Labib

  3. Department of Radiology, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, UK

    A Wolinski

  4. Weight Management Clinic, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, UK

    M H Labib

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  1. R Pitt
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  2. P L Z Labib
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  3. A Wolinski
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  4. M H Labib
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Correspondence to P L Z Labib.

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Pitt, R., Labib, P., Wolinski, A. et al. Iatrogenic kwashiorkor after distal gastric bypass surgery: the consequences of receiving multinational treatment. Eur J Clin Nutr 70, 635–636 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2016.15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2016.15

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