Lekshmi Raj Jalaja1, Stuti Lohia2, Priyadarsini Bentur3, Ravi Ramgiri4
‘Obesity’ is defined as a condition with excess body fat to the extent that health
and well-being are adversely affected and uses a class system based on the body
mass index (BMI), by the world health organization (WHO). Anaesthetic
management of morbidly obese is challenging, as there is an increased risk of
perioperative respiratory insufficiency and supplemental oxygen must be given
throughout recovery period. The incidence of morbid obesity continues to grow
and anaesthesiologists are exposed to obese patients presenting for various
procedures.
The prevalence of obesity is on the upward trend worldwide. Obesity is a multisystem
disorder, involving the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and
therefore, undergoing a surgical procedure under anaesthesia may entail a
considerable risk. Thus, a multidisciplinary approach is required in treating such
patients. Quantification of the extent of obesity is done using the body mass index.
BMI is defined as the relationship between weight and height (weight [kg] /
height2 [m2]).
