The Risks of Surgery in Obese Patients

  1. PATRICK S. PASULKA, M.D.;
  2. BRUCE R. BISTRIAN, M.D., Ph.D.;
  3. PETER N. BENOTTI, M.D.; and
  4. GEORGE L. BLACKBURN, M.D., Ph.D.
  1. Boston, Massachusetts

    Abstract

    Obesity is commonly considered a surgical risk factor, but the degree of risk has been imprecisely quantified. There is little evidence that excessive body weight in itself should contraindicate general surgery. However, obesity is often associated with abnormal cardiorespiratory function, metabolic function, and hemostasis, which may predispose to morbidity and mortality after surgery. We review pertinent data and offer guidelines to minimize the risks of surgery in obese patients.

    Article and Author Information

    • ▸From the Nutrition Support Service, Cancer Research Institute, and Department of Surgery, New England Deaconess Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

    • ▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Bruce R. Bistrian, M.D., Ph.D.; Cancer Research Institute, New England Deaconess Hospital, 194 Pilgrim Road; Boston, MA 02215.

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    1. Ann Intern Med April 1, 1986 vol. 104 no. 4 540-546
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