Anesthetic Considerations for the Trauma Patient with Obesity

Purpose of Review: This article aims to review the specific challenges anesthesiologists may face when caring for trauma patients with obesity and provide current anesthetic strategies to treat injuries and reduce complications. Recent Findings: The concept of the cushion effect and obesity paradox is controversial. While some studies state that obesity may be protective in the setting of penetrating or blunt trauma, other studies find that obesity increases the risk of complications, perhaps due to the increased incidence of associated comorbidities in this population. Summary: Trauma is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, it is imperative to understand the best practices to manage the trauma patient with obesity. Trauma patients with obesity present unique challenges after motor vehicle crashes, penetrating injury, and falls due to physiological and anatomical alterations. Furthermore, there are several comorbidities and complications associated with obesity that can lead to serious consequences if not adequately managed.