Obesity surgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
A preliminary study of the optimal anesthesia positioning for the morbidly obese patient.
Hypoxemia during the induction of general anesthesia for the morbidly obese patient is a major concern of anesthesiologists. The etiology of this pathophysiological problem is multifactorial, and patient positioning may be a contributing factor. The present study was designed to identify optimal patient positioning for the induction of general anesthesia that minimizes the risk of hypoxemia in these patients. ⋯ In morbidly obese patients, the 30 degrees Reverse Trendelenburg position provided the longest SAP when compared to the 30 degrees Back Up Fowler and Horizontal-Supine positions. Since on induction of general anesthesia morbidly obese patients may be difficult to mask ventilate and/or intubate, this extra time may preclude adverse sequelae resulting from hypoxemia. Therefore, Reverse Trendelenburg is recommended as the optimal position for induction.
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We have demonstrated that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in 60% of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. A study was conducted to determine whether weight loss following bariatric surgery ameliorates OSA. ⋯ Weight loss following gastric bypass results in profound improvement in OSA. The severity of apnea cannot be reliably predicted by preoperative BMI and ESS; therefore, patients with symptoms of OSA should undergo polysomnography.