Anaesthetic management of a patient with morbid obesity: case report

Abstract

The purpose of this case report is to describe our experience of the anaesthetic management of a patient with morbid obesity  undergoing general surgery. The obese patient is at great risk of problems with endotracheal intubation and developing peri-operative respiratory and cardiovascular complications. The difficulties in moving and positioning the patient and gaining venous access add to the problems. Anaesthesia and surgery on an obese patient should not be undertaken lightly without a full understanding of the potential problems.

Keywords: obesity; morbid obesity; body mass index (BMI); ideal body weight (IBW); peri-operative management; Botswana.