ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Postoperative complications are common in the obese surgical patient ( Table 1 ). Obesity is a risk factor for postoperative morbidity and morbid obesity is a risk factor for mortality ( 1-3 ). In a large study of postoperative complications in patients who underwent a variety of elective and emergency noncardiac surgical procedures, obese patients had a higher prevalence of myocardial infarction, peripheral nerve injury, wound infection, and urinary tract infection (1) . Morbidly obese patients had a higher prevalence of tracheal reintubation, cardiac arrest, and death. Thus, obese patients require close observation during their recovery room/postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay. An understanding of the pathophysiological changes that occur with obesity and the postoperative complications unique to this group of patients should result in improved outcome.
