“Is it true that anesthesia for obese people is riskier?”
Is it true that anesthesia given to obese people is riskier than normal people?
2 Answers
Obese patients usually have multiple comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, difficult vascular access, and difficult airways) that add to difficulties and risks with anesthesia and surgery.
Yes, very much so! People who are obese are at a greater risk for diabetes, stroke, heart attack, dementia and lung complications during their daily lives. Now, give them surgery and anesthesia and the risk is magnified. Keep in my though that many obese patients undergo surgery and anesthesia successfully without complications, even though the risk for complications is much greater. You need an anesthesiologist who is skilled with managing obese patients.
