Lung protective ventilation of obese patients during general anaesthesia

Obesity, especially morbid obesity, results in reduced lung volumes, significant atelectasis in dependent lung regions and a ventilation/perfusion mismatch. At the same time oxygen consumption and the work of breathing are increased. Morbidly obese patients present with specific physiological and mechanical properties of the lung. These properties can affect the entire process of general anaesthesia may cause severe postoperative pulmonary complications.