The obese patient. Anaesthetic issues: airway and positioning

The authors have combined experience of over forty years working within the NHS and private hospitals as registered operating department practitioners. It is widely accepted that obesity is a growing problem in the populations of all developed and, increasingly, developing countries. It is also agreed that this sector of the population present specific challenges when required to undergo general anaesthesia. What is not so evident is a universal approach to assessing, predicting and overcoming these challenges. Furthermore, where there is the presentation of a clearly high risk patient, there can be limitations in optimizing the environment for reasons such as saving time, a lack of resources or sheer apathy. This article reviews the challenges, assessment and solutions available to the clinician faced with a high BMI patient with particular reference to the technique of ramping.