Pulmonary Changes in Obesity: surgical implications. A Literature Review

Obesity affects approximately one-third of the population of the United States. Pulmonary complications are common following upper abdominal surgery, and constitute the most frequent postoperative complication in the obese surgical patient. This literature review addresses the pathophysiology of the pulmonary changes associated with simple obesity and examines intraoperative and postoperative changes which occur in this patient group. Measures used in prophylaxis and management of these complications are reviewed.