Designing intelligent anesthesia for a changing patient demographic: a consensus statement to provide guidance for specialist and non-specialist anesthetists written by members of and endorsed by the Society for Obesity and Bariatric Anaesthesia (SOBA)

Background: As a result of the increasing prevalence of obesity in the UK, anesthetists are increasingly encountering overweight and obese patients in routine practice. There is currently a paucity of evidence to guide best clinical practice for anesthetists managing overweight and obese patients. The current guidelines from the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI), entitled Peri-Operative Management of the Morbidly Obese Patient, give an excellent overview of organizational issues, but leave much clinical detail to the discretion of the individual clinician. Methods: In May 2010, a panel of experts convened to develop consensus on anesthesia of overweight, obese and morbidly obese patients, in consultation with the Society for Obesity and Bariatric Anaesthesia (SOBA). All Panel members are practicing clinicians from recognized bariatric surgical training centers and have extensive experience of anesthesia for obese patients. This statement aims to provide guiding principles on best practice for this challenging patient demographic, and to increase awareness of current issues so that these can be addressed more appropriately. Results: In this document, we emphasize key principles for best practice, rather than giving prescriptive guidance and specific regimens for all clinical eventualities. We provide evidence-based justification for best-practice techniques, where this exists. In areas for which there is no evidence, but there is clear consensus, we offer this as guidance. We also aim to dispel misconceptions that have arisen in the anesthetic practice of overweight, obese, and morbidly obese patients. Conclusion: Ultimately, the choice of specific technique depends on clinician experience, patient characteristics, and center facilities. As well as providing guiding principles for anesthesia, this consensus statement also highlights other areas where anesthetists can contribute towards the enhanced recovery and overall quality of patient care.