Airway management in patients living with obesity: best practice recommendations from the Society for Obesity and Bariatric Anaesthesia: Endorsed by the All Wales Airway Group, Scottish Airway Group and Difficult Airway Society.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Patients living with obesity present specific challenges for airway management. They have been overrepresented repeatedly in studies looking at complications associated with airway management. Whilst generic airway guidelines offer assistance, there are no evidence-based guidelines specific to this group of patients to support safe and effective airway management.

Methods

An expert multidisciplinary working party was convened on behalf of the Society of Obesity and Bariatric Anaesthesia to conduct this work. A systematic review was performed and was followed by a three-round Delphi process.

Results

Forty-three recommendations are made which cover a number of key areas of practice including: pre-assessment; planning; peroxygenation; tracheal intubation; su

SUBMITTER: McKechnie A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12351209 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature