The Effect of Obesity on Surgical Outcomes in General Surgery Patients: A Systematic Review of 1,680,694 patients

Abstract

The study examined the impact of obesity on general surgery patients, analyzing eleven studies with 1,680,694 patients. Results showed that obesity increases postoperative wound infection risk, blood loss, and recovery times. However, prospective studies found no increase in surgical complications or hospitalization expenses. Obesity may protect against venous thromboembolism and death, but post-operative complications in obese patients undergoing general surgical procedures remain controversial due to metabolic, pharmacologic, and systemic illnesses. Obesity increases surgical duration and SSIs, potentially increasing immediate complications.