Anesthetic complications of gross obesity.
OBJECTIVE
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The progress in anesthesia techniques and modern drugs allows for safe management of obese patients, with mortality decreasing in this group of patients.
Gaszynski
Tomasz
T
Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Medical University of Lodz, Poland. tomgaszyn@poczta.onet.pl