Airway management in patients with obesity

Bhavana Thota, Kathryn M. Jan, Matthew W. Oh, Tiffany S. Moon

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Airway management in patients with obesity remains a complex and evolving topic that is becoming more pertinent given the increasing prevalence of obesity and bariatric surgery worldwide. Obesity is associated with increased morbidity and mortality secondary to anesthetic complications, especially related to airway management. Preoperative assessment is especially vital for the bariatric patient so that potential predictors for a difficult airway can be identified. There are several airway management strategies and techniques for the bariatric population that may help reduce postoperative pulmonary complications. This review aims to discuss assessment of the airway, ideal patient positioning, intubation techniques and devices, apneic oxygenation, optimal ventilation strategies, and extubation and post-anesthesia care.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)76-81
Number of pages6
JournalSaudi Journal of Anaesthesia
Volume16
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2022

Keywords

  • 'Bariatric patients'
  • 'difficult airway'
  • 'intubation'

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

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