# Case Report: Case of Wernicke’s encephalopathy complicated by postoperative gastroparesis following sigmoid colon malignant tumor surgery with a literature review

## TL;DR

A patient developed Wernicke’s encephalopathy after surgery for a colon tumor due to prolonged fasting and gastroparesis, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and nutritional care.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the rare but critical link between postoperative gastroparesis and Wernicke’s encephalopathy after colon surgery.

## Key findings

- Wernicke’s encephalopathy can occur due to prolonged fasting and malnutrition after gastrointestinal surgery.
- Neurological symptoms were initially misdiagnosed but confirmed via MRI and treatment response.
- Early recognition and nutritional management are crucial for preventing severe complications.

## Abstract

To explore the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, and key points of the diagnosis and treatment of postoperative gastroparesis (POG) complicated by Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) after sigmoid colon malignant tumor resection so as to improve the understanding of Wernicke’s encephalopathy occurring after gastrointestinal surgery.

The clinical data of a patient who developed WE due to POG and prolonged fasting following sigmoid colon cancer resection were retrospectively reviewed, and a comprehensive analysis was conducted in combination with relevant literature.

The research team retrospectively analyzed a case of intestinal surgery complicated by gastroparesis and long-term fasting, with the patient subsequently presenting with neurological symptoms such as confusion and somnolence. Initially misdiagnosed as an energy deficiency or intracranial lesions, the diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and therapeutic response.

Gastrointestinal dysfunction and poor nutritional absorption after sigmoid colon resection can induce Wernicke’s encephalopathy. Early clinical identification of this disease is particularly important. Postoperative nutritional management and monitoring of neurological symptoms should be emphasized to enable timely intervention.