Abstract

Morbid obesity is becoming a worldwide health concern. Anesthesiologists face increasing numbers of obese patients requiring elective and emergency surgeries. Morbid obesity is associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, degenerative joint disorders, and clinical syndromes such as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Hypoxic events are common in anesthetised morbidly obese patients due to atelectasis.

This paper discusses spinal surgery with spinal anesthesia in a morbidly obese patient. The spinal block ended before the surgery was completed and the surgeon injected local anesthetic intradurally through the surgical incision and the operation ended without any complications. The patient was discharged the next day. We conclude that in selected cases when general anesthesia increases the risk, regional anesthesia may decrease perioperative complications and hospital stay.

Key Words: Morbid Obesity; Spinal Surgery; Spinal Anesthesia.