Chapter 29 - Post-operative Recovery: Location and Potential Complications

The incidence and prevalence of obesity continues to increase globally. Obese patients have an increased risk of perioperative complications involving all organ systems. Given the rising incidence of morbid obesity, anaesthesiologists will no doubt care for an increasing number of obese patients in the foreseeable future and should be prepared to provide optimal management. A proper anaesthetic approach to these patients is required to minimize the risk of perioperative complications that contribute to morbidity and mortality. Understanding the risk factors for postoperative complications, especially complications related to the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems, may help clinicians minimize the incidence of postoperative adverse events and choose the most appropriate setting for postoperative care to optimize patient outcomes.