The bariatric airway

The prevalence of obesity in the UK is increasing. Airway management in the obese patient can be challenging. Face mask ventilation is frequently difficult, and while the incidence of difficult laryngoscopy is only marginally raised, the consequences of failed intubation and the rate at which the obese patient desaturates makes this an unforgiving population. Emergence from anaesthesia requires particular care and attention. This article addresses the problems of airway management in the obese patient and looks at measures which can be taken to overcome them.