Obesity and surgery
Pratschke, E.
Fortschritte der Medizin 110(31): 575-578
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0015-8178 PMID: 1478591 Document Number: 395016
BASICS AND AIMS: Obesity is generally considered to be a surgical risk factor, although its influence cannot be accurately defined. The risks of surgery in the obese patient are discussed on the basis of a review of the literature. In itself, obesity does not increase the surgical risk, but it is often associated with cardio-respiratory, metabolic or coagulation disorders that increase morbidity and mortality in obese patients. The only statistically significant difference between obese and non-obese patients is the higher rate of secondary healing in the former. Guidelines aimed at reducing perioperative risk in these patients are suggested.