Perioperative management of obese patients.

Obesity prevalence has quadrupled since the 1980s in the United States. It is estimated that 30% of the population is obese or has a body mass index of greater than or equal to 30 as defined by the World Health Organization. Surgeons are likely to engage in the care of obese patients and need to be adept in every aspect of the patients' care in order to have a successful hospital course. There is significant controversy in perioperative management of obese patients. This article discusses perioperative management of obese patients to provide guidelines, education, and discussion of current issues.