Anaesthesia for obesity surgery

Abstract 

Surgery to aid weight loss is termed bariatric surgery and is becoming increasingly common as the prevalence of obesity rises. Bariatric surgery has been shown to have a sustained long-term therapeutic effect on obesity and is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence as part of a complete weight loss programme. It is usually performed by a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique. Anaesthesia for bariatric surgery provides challenges for the anaesthetist in perioperative management owing to the surgical techniques and the comorbidities associated with obesity. Caution also needs to be taken with patients who have had bariatric surgery when they present for subsequent surgery.

Keywords: bariatric surgery, gastric banding, morbid obesity, obstructive sleep apnoea