Operational Difficulties in Obese Patients

Abstract

Background and aim of the work: to give optimal care for obese surgical patients, surgeons and healthcare personnel should be aware about the surgical problems which may be met in obese patient and how to overcome a variety of challenges. In this study the awareness of the surgeons about the obesity as surgical problem would be evaluated from the surgical staff point of view. Patient and methods: a cross-sectional study was done by interviewing the surgeons to fill the questionnaire focusing on their awareness about the prevalence of operational difficulties in obese patients. Results: the study included 82 surgeons most of them practice general surgery. The majority of surgeons found that the main cause of obesity amongst their patients is dietary factors (91.5%). The same percent of surgeons (higher percentage in residents) agreed that obesity might modify the surgical decision. According to the survey, they patients of age between 30-45years represented the majority and most of them were females. Over 89% of surgeons found that the complications are more in obese patients than in average weight patients. All specialties (especially general surgeons) agreed that obesity increases the operative time. Infection was the major problem mentioned by surgeons followed by anesthetic problems and the size of the instrument used. Over 64.6% of surgeons agreed that some operations need to reduce patient weight to be performed. Most of surgeons (42.7%) agreed that surgical error is higher in obese patients; however, 37.8% agreed that surgical errors in obese and average weight patients are equal. The majority of surgeons (68.3%) agreed that experience of the surgeon will differ in theatre. 81.7% of surgeons agreed that obese patient needs more evaluation prior to surgery than average weight patient. 72% agreed that obese patients have prolonged hospital stay. Conclusion: The study revealed a good to excellent awareness of KSA surgeons about surgical problems which may be met in obese patient and how to overcome a variety of challenges reflecting the values of continuous medical education programs applied in their hospitals.