Are there more risks for someone who is obese going under anesthesia?

Answer by  PHOAT (645)

Yes, there are more risks because people who are overweight are at increased risk for heart attacks and other complications that already exist for the healthiest of people going into surgery.

Answer by  benjiross (993)

An obese person is more difficult to intubate (insert an endotracheal tube) which is necessary for general anesthesia. Obese people are more likely to have hypertension or diabetes which can complicate anesthesia. As they tend to have airway obstruction (obstructive sleep apnea) waking up after anesthesia can be a major problem. Drug dosing is more complicated in obese people.

Answer by  NurseB (513)

Yes. The main concern is circulatory problems. When a person is under anesthesia circulation becomes compromised, if someone has weakened or impaired circulation the blood will have more difficulty traveling through the vessels hence a possibility of the blood clotting and traveling to a vital organ. Luckily people under anesthesia are carefully monitored for signs of distress.