Effective Ventilation Strategies for Obese Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: A Literature Review

Obesity causes major alterations in pulmonary mechanics. Obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery present mechanical ventilation-related challenges that may lead to perioperative complications. Databases were systematically searched for clinical trials of ventilation maneuvers for obese patients and bariatric surgery. Thirteen randomized controlled trials were selected. The quality of the studies was evaluated with the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool, and a matrix was developed to present the essential components of the studies. Eight strategies of ventilation maneuvers were identified. Recruitment maneuvers followed by positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) consistently demonstrated effectiveness in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Pressure-controlled ventilation and volume-controlled ventilation did not differ significantly in their efficacy. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) during induction was effective in preventing atelectasis and increasing the duration of safe apnea. Equal ratio ventilation can be a useful ventilation strategy. Recruitment maneuvers followed by PEEP are effective ventilation strategies for obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. During induction, NIPPV provides further benefit. Future studies are needed to examine the postoperative effects of recruitment maneuvers with PEEP as well as the efficacy and safety of equal ratio ventilation.