Bariatric surgery, a risk factor for rhabdomyolysis

Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis has been increasingly recognized as a complication of bariatric surgery. We report a case of this complication and its consequences, in a patient who had undergone bariatric surgery, with a very high creatine kinase (CK) concentration, and whose renal function failed. Obesity causes a range of effects on all major organ systems. Knowledge of these effects and issues specific to the intensive care unit care of bariatric patients can help to predict and manage this underestimated complication in this population in which early diagnosis can alter the outcome.

Resumen

La rabdomiolisis tras cirugía bariatrica es una complicación rara pero posible. Presentamos un caso de rabdomiolisis y fallo renal agudo tras by-pass gástrico laparoscópico en paciente con obesidad mórbida. Su conocimiento puede ayudar a predecir y manejar esta complicación infradiagnosticada cuyo diagnostico precoz mejora el tratamiento de estos pacientes y previene las complicaciones posteriores.