Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology

Accession Number<strong>00001503-200406000-00013</strong>.
AuthorGaszynski, Tomasz
InstitutionDepartment of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
TitleAnesthetic complications of gross obesity.[Miscellaneous]
SourceCurrent Opinion in Anaesthesiology. 17(3):271-276, June 2004.
AbstractPurpose of review: The number of obese patients undergoing anesthesia and surgery is increasing. This article aims to present recent achievements in the management of gross and morbidly obese patients in order to improve safety.

Recent findings: Current investigations have demonstrated that the type of anesthesia (total intravenous anesthesia or volatile) and the anesthetics used have an important influence on the perioperative period, especially on postanesthesia recovery and respiratory failure during the postoperative period. These findings were compared with previous publications. Practical advice is also presented for performing successful intubation and mechanical ventilation in the morbidly obese patient, as well as describing drug dosage and administration.

Summary: The progress in anesthesia techniques and modern drugs allows for safe management of obese patients, with mortality decreasing in this group of patients.

(C) 2004 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.