The Challenges of the Postoperative Care of Obese Patients

The increasing number of obese patients undergoing surgery has implications for postoperative care. Obese patients present clinical challenges to postoperative care that if not anticipated and managed appropriately can significantly adversely affect operative outcomes. This review discusses the dilemmas of postoperative management of the obese; highlighting the risks, identifying difficulties, outlining special considerations and, offering strategies to mitigate the clinical challenges.