Morbid Obesity

Written by international experts in the field, this comprehensive book covers all aspects of obesity that may impact upon the practice of the anaesthetist, intensivist or other healthcare professional dealing with the obese patient. The information is presented in a logical manner - opening chapters cover the underlying pathophysiology of obesity and move on to discuss general risk factors, legal and ethical aspects of anaesthesia, changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, pre-operative assessment and management. The main section of the book then focuses on specific problems such as renal function, DVT, patient positioning, airway management and ventilation, pulse oximetry, TOE, brain monitoring and BIS, general, spinal and epidural anaesthesia, volatile anaesthetics and drug delivery. A final section includes chapters that detail the nursing, ICU and trauma management of the obese patient, and covers key topics such as anaesthesia for caesarean section, ECG, infection control, haemodynamic monitoring, post-anaesthetic care and postoperative analgesia.