Obesity And Anesthesia - Yes, There Is A Connection...

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At a time of year when people make plans to drop a few pounds, perhaps even consider bariatric surgery, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) wants to ensure the public has the facts regarding one's weight and the impact it may have on his or her anesthesia experience. The ASA has launched a campaign to educate the public on the issue, and empower the patient to make important lifestyle changes, whenever possible, before going under the knife.

Obesity related changes in anatomy make airway management in this population challenging.

"The health implications of obesity are enormous. Illnesses associated with obesity such as Type 2 Diabetes, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, hypertension and cardiovascular disease have significant implications for patients requiring surgery and anesthesia," said Martin Nitsun, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem. "Obesity related changes in anatomy make airway management in this population challenging."

Airway obstruction due to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can result in decreased airflow and oxygen in patients receiving even minimal amounts of sedation. Placement of a breathing tube (intubation) may require special equipment and techniques. Anesthesiologists have to anticipate these difficulties, prepare for them and counsel patients regarding potential complications. The ASA recommends that the best way for an obese patient to prepare for surgery and to attempt to minimize the risks associated with obesity (short of losing weight prior to elective surgery) is to have a thorough exam done by a primary care doctor prior to surgery.

Visit the Lifeline to Modern Medicine Web site today to learn more about pregnancy and obesity considerations, factors specific to bariatric surgery, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and what to look for in ambulatory centers if you are an obese patient.



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Bariatrics The branch of medicine that deals with the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity. The term bariatrics was created around 1965, from the Greek root baro ("weight," as in barometer), suffix -iatr ("treatment," as in pediatrics), and suffix -ic ("pertaining to"). Besides the pharmacotherapy of obesity, it is concerned with obesity surgery.

Hypertension Also referred to as high blood pressure, HTH, HTN or HPN, hypertension is a medical condition in which the blood pressure is chronically elevated. In current usage, the word "hypertension" without a qualifier normally refers to arterial hypertension. The Mayo Clinic specifies blood pressure is "normal if it's below 120/80".

Sleep Apnea A sleep disorder (a comorbidity often seen in obese patients) characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. Each episode, called an apnea, lasts long enough so that one or more breaths are missed, and such episodes occur repeatedly throughout sleep. Sleep apnea is diagnosed with an overnight sleep test called a polysomnogram, or a "Sleep Study" which is often conducted by a pulmonologist. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is used mainly by patients for the treatment of sleep apnea at home.

Obesity Obesity results from the excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body's skeletal and physical standards. Obesity has been defined as a weight more than 20% above what is considered normal according to standard age, height, and weight tables, or by a complex formula known as the body mass index. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an increase in 20 percent or more above your ideal body weight is the point at which excess weight becomes a health risk. CLICK HERE TO OPEN THE JOURNEY BMI CALCULATOR!

Diabetes Mellitus A disease that occurs when the body is not able to use blood glucose (sugar). Blood sugar levels are controlled by insulin, a hormone in the body that helps move glucose from the blood to muscles and other tissues. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body does not respond to the insulin that is made. There are two main types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. All forms of diabetes have been treatable since insulin became medically available in 1921, but there is no cure.