Guidance on morbidly obese

The association advises that patient estimates of their weight and height should not be relied upon. The Body Mass Index (BMI) should be calculated and recorded – although this should not be used as the sole indicator of suitability for surgery. Every hospital should have a named consultant anaesthetist and a named theatre team member who will ensure that appropriate equipment and processes are in place for these patients.

Protocols including details of the availability of equipment should be readily to hand in al locations where morbidly obese patients may be treated. Mandatory manual handling courses should also include the management of the morbidly obese. In addition, early communication between those who will be caring for the patient is essential and scheduling of surgery should include provision for sufficient additional time, resources and personnel.

Dr William Harrop-Griffiths commented: “Where as before you might see one obese patient every few months, now it is becoming almost a weekly problem. Our fear is that many hospitals do not have plans or the equipment for treating people of these sizes and patient safety is at risk.”