Emergency management of the morbidly obese.

摘要: Objectives:  To identify the difficulties encountered with emergency management of morbidly obese patients and formulate recommendations to streamline care. Methods:  An English language literature search was undertaken using Medline (1966–2003) key words ‘morbid obesity’‘anaesthesia’‘imaging’‘obesity’‘emergency’‘transportation’‘retrieval’‘critical illness’ ‘monitoring’. Potential articles were selected for content applicable medicine based on title abstract reviewed in detail. Reference lists manually searched further relevant articles. In view very limited systematic study this area, all information deemed by authors’ be assistance physician included regardless evidence level. Additional sought from standard critical care textbooks their bibliographies through personal communication local ambulance retrieval services. The unpublished experience providing aspects not documented medical literature. Results:  Obesity levels associated health problems are rapidly rising Australia. Few studies identified dealing illness none specifically addressing ED management. Problems size related logistical issues, limitations physical assessment, monitoring routine investigations. Invasive procedures, intubation ventilation can particularly problematic, modified techniques may required. Limited data indicates a poorer outcome most marked case blunt traumatic injury. Conclusion:  Very present variety challenges EDs. A series made available data. Further area would desirable more address issues.