Review article
https://doi.org/10.18054/pb.v127i1-2.35807
Intubation and obesity: key challenges – a narrative review
Ana Brundula
orcid.org/0000-0002-6192-1044
; Amruševa Polyclinic, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Morena Milić
; Department of Day Surgery, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia; University of Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Ada Barić Grgurević
; Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care Medicine, Srebrnjak Children's Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
Iva Korečić Zrinjščak
; Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinical Hospital for Tumors, University Hospital Centre Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
Krunoslav Fučkar
orcid.org/0000-0002-2723-8356
; Department of Reanimatology and Intensive Care Medicine, Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation Krapinske Toplice, Krapinske Toplice, Croatiaoplice, Krapinske Toplice, Croatia
Iva Smiljanić
orcid.org/0000-0003-0306-271X
; epartment of Anesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Background and purpose: Obesity is a complex, multifactorial, chronic disease. It is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher. The prevalence of obesity is on the rise worldwide. The aim of this paper is to present the complexity of airway management in obese patients and current recommendations.
Materials and methods: We searched the PubMed database using the keywords: “obesity” in combination with either “airway management” or “intubation, intratracheal”. Between February 2020 and January 2025, a total of 34 articles relevant to this review were published.
Results and discussion: Obese patients are a challenge for any anesthesiologist due to the increased risk of periprocedural complications. One of the major challenges is maintaining the airway in obese patients. An improved understanding of the specific anatomy of the airway, pathophysiology, and pharmacology of obesity makes it easier or an anesthesiologist to correctly and safely approach the patient.
Keywords
obesity; airway management; intubation, intratracheal
Hrčak ID:
340265
URI
Publication date:
1.12.2025.
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