Intubation and obesity: key challenges – a narrative review

Challenges of intubation in obese patients

Authors

  • Ana Brundula Amruševa Polyclinic, Zagreb, Croatia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6192-1044
  • Morena Milić Department of Day Surgery, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia; University of Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia
  • Ada Barić Grgurević Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care Medicine, Srebrnjak Children's Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
  • Iva Korečić Zrinjščak Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinical Hospital for Tumors, University Hospital Centre Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
  • Krunoslav Fučkar Department of Reanimatology and Intensive Care Medicine, Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation Krapinske Toplice, Krapinske Toplice, Croatiaoplice, Krapinske Toplice, Croatia
  • Iva Smiljanić epartment of Anesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18054/pb.v127i1-2.35807

Abstract

Background and purpose: Obesity is a complex, multifactorial, chronic disease. It is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher. The prevalence of obesity is on the rise worldwide. The aim of this paper is to present the complexity of airway management in obese patients and current recommendations.

Materials and methods: We searched the PubMed database using the keywords: “obesity” in combination with either “airway management” or “intubation, intratracheal”. Between February 2020 and January 2025, a total of 34 articles relevant to this review were published.

Results and discussion: Obese patients are a challenge for any anesthesiologist due to the increased risk of periprocedural complications. One of the major challenges is maintaining the airway in obese patients. An improved understanding of the specific anatomy of the airway, pathophysiology, and pharmacology of obesity makes it easier

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Published

2025-09-11

Issue

Vol. 127 No. 1-2 (2025)

Section

Articles

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