Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Review
Perioperative management of the severely obese patient: a selective pathophysiological review.
Obesity is widespread, yet it is often understood primarily as a disorder of body structure. This article provides anesthesiologists with a synopsis of recent research into the complex pathophysiology of obesity. It emphasizes the importance of this information for the perioperative planning and management of this patient group and for reviewing some of the major perioperative challenges. ⋯ The literature clearly highlights the complexity of severe obesity as a multisystem disease, and anesthesiologists caring for these patients perioperatively must have a sound understanding of the changes in order to offer the highest quality care to these patients.