Critical care of the bariatric patient

To synthesize the current literature on care of obese, critically ill, and bariatric surgical patients.

A MEDLINE/PubMed search from 1966 to August 2005 was conducted using the search terms obesity, bariatric surgery, and critical illness, and a search of the Cochrane Library was also conducted.

An increase in both the prevalence of obesity and the number of bariatric procedures performed has resulted in an increased number of obese and, specifically, bariatric surgical patients who require intensive care unit care. Obesity is a chronic inflammatory state with resultant effects on immune, metabolic, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematologic, and renal function. Principles of care of the critically ill obese patient are reviewed and then applied to critically ill bariatric surgical patients. Pharmacotherapy, vascular access, and the presentation and management of both pressure-induced rhabdomyolysis and anastomotic failure after bariatric surgery are also reviewed.

Obesity causes a range of pathologic effects on all major organ systems. Knowledge of these effects and issues specific to the intensive care unit care of bariatric patients can help to predict and manage complications in this population.