Bariatric orthopaedic patients – An exploration of the issues to be considered when pre-assessing this group of patients for surgery (Concurrent)

Abstract

Aim: To explore the issues that need to be considered when assessing Bariatric orthopaedic patients for surgery. Abstract: The ‘epidemic of obesity’ has been identified by the World Health Organisation as one of today’s most significant world–wide health problems. The term ‘Bariatrics’ refers to the science of providing healthcare for this population. This term originated from the Greek word ‘‘baros’’ meaning heavy and ‘‘iatrics’’ (medical treatment). The prevalence of obesity in the developed world has increased significantly and now affects three times more people than it did 20 years ago. This increase is forecast to continue. Two thirds of the adult male, and more than half of the adult female, population are considered overweight or obese (Rigby, 2005). The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (2001) defines obesity as ‘‘a condition in which weight gain has reached the point of seriously endangering health, with some people being more susceptible than others’’. Inevitably, increasing numbers of obese patients will present for all types of procedures including orthopaedic surgery. Pre-operative assessment is a key component in the assessment and management of risk in this group of patients. The risk of co-morbidities in patients with a Body Mass Index greater than 40 is very severe. This paper will review the available literature and explore the issues that need to be considered by orthopaedic nurses when pre-assessing this group of patients for orthopaedic surgery. It will also highlight some of the ethical concerns that may need to be considered and discussed. Intended learning outcomes: