Obesity and day-case surgery

Abstract

Day-case surgery is increasing in popularity and more patients with multiple medical problems are being considered as suitable for this approach. However, the current recommendations exclude morbidly obese patients (body mass index > 35 kg.m(-2)). We present a review of 258 morbidly obese patients who have received treatment in our day-surgery unit. Our experience does not show any significant increase in unplanned admission rates or postoperative complications. In conclusion, we feel that morbid obesity alone should not be an exclusion criterion for day-case surgery.