Morbid Obesity

SJH Theatres and Anaesthetics
NHS Lothian

Criteria for referral of morbidly obese patients for Anaesthetic Consultant review:

  • BMI ≥ 50
  • BMI ≥ 40 with comorbidities: diabetes, COPD, sleep apnoea, IHD
  • Body weight >160kg

 

Criteria for referral of morbidly obese patients for notes review only:

  • BMI 40-50 with no comorbidity

 

Tick list of preparations:

  • Inform waiting list team 
  • Request highlight on list
  • Allocate 30-45 minutes for anaesthesia
  • Inform anaesthetist in charge of list
  • Inform the ward
  • Inform theatre
  • Consider whether HDU bed required (CPAP overnight?)

Please give patient leaflet 13-YourWeight2020web.pdf (rcoa.ac.uk)

 

Other considerations:

  • Does the patient have any mobility issues ?
  • Difficult airway?
  • Suitable for regional anaesthesia?
  • Information leaflets?
  • Antacid prophylaxis?
  • VTE prophylaxis?
  • Any other concerns? Please discuss with preoperative assessment  anaesthetist