ACTUALIZACIÓN:

Abstract

The respiratory tract management is one of the most important topics in anesthesia. Between 50 and 70 % of the heart arrests occurring during general anesthesia are due to intubation difficulties. Obese patients are 30 % more likely of presenting difficult intubation with respect to normal weight patients. They also develop oxygen desaturation faster, increasing the complication risk. Taking into consideration the above reasons, the authors decided to write this article, with the aim of updating on the methods to approach the respiratory tract in those patients. The authors’ criteria and research outcomes on the theme are showed. It was concluded that even though the most used method to approach the airway in obese patients is the orotracheal intubation with direct vision, the use of a laryngeal intubation mask, flexible fiberscope and video laryngoscopes should be considered, especially in superobese patients.