Airway Management in Obese Patients

The prevalence of overweightOverweight and obesity worldwide has seen a significant increase since 1980, with rates approximately doubling. Currently, more than one-third of the global population is classified as overweightOverweight or obeseObese (Chooi et al. in Metabolism 2019:6–10, 2019 [1]). If the current trends persist, it is projected that 57.8% of the world’s population will be overweightOverweight or obeseObese by the year 2030 (Kelly et al. in Int J Obes 32:1431–1437, 2008 [2]). As a consequence of this escalating trend, anesthesiologists, critical care physicians, and emergency physicians are encountering an increasing number of obeseObese patients requiring elective or urgent procedures under general anesthesia, which often involves airway manipulation. Managing the airway in obeseObese patients poses a considerable challenge due to their unique anatomical and physiological characteristics, which can lead to more rapid desaturation compared to lean patients. Consequently, a carefully planned approach to airway management in these individuals is crucial. It necessitates establishing alternative strategies in case the primary plan fails, as well as focusing on correct positioningPositioning, preoxygenationPreoxygenation, apneic oxygenationApneic oxygenation, and optimization of various techniques to ensure the safe and effective management of the airway. By incorporating these elements into their practice, medical professionals can enhance patient safety and minimize complicationsComplications during airway interventionsIntervention for obeseObese individuals.