Perioperative Management of Special Populations: Obesity

Surgeons and hospitals must be aware of the special considerations for treating obese patients. Obesity involves increased incidence of several comorbidities, such as coronary heart disease and hyper-tension, which increase perioperative risk. Obesity has been identified as an independent risk factor for surgical site infection and the obese population has a higher than normal incidence of perioperative deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. For these and other reasons, medical professionals must make thorough evaluations to properly identify and address medical comorbidities and other issues associated with obese patients. Medical professionals must, for example, use invasive arterial monitoring for severely obese patients and ensure that operating room tables can accommodate obese patients.