Perioperative Assessment and Risk Stratification of the Obese Patient

Obesity has risen to epidemic proportions in the United States and is increasing among all populations. The complications associated with obesity have a tremendous impact on healthcare and hospital costs. The diagnosis of obesity alone is believed to present an independent risk for surgical morbidity and mortality. Obese patients frequently have multiple comorbidities, which present a unique challenge for healthcare teams responsible for their perioperative and postoperative assessment and management. This article highlights critical elements of the perioperative assessment of the adult obese patient, considerations for further risk stratification in the perioperative period, and potential complications of the obese patient postoperatively.