Common Perioperative Complications in the Pediatric Day Surgery Setting of a Patient with an Elevated BMI: A Resource Guide to the Literature on the Care of the Obese Pediatric Surgical Patient

Abstract

The incidence of pediatric obesity is on the rise. Because pediatric overweight and obese patients are presenting for elective surgery in the day surgery setting, there are concerns regarding perioperative complications in this population. Although there is a paucity of studies specific to the pediatric population, respiratory symptoms, airway management concerns, prolonged postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stays, and increased emesis are significantly more common in pediatric patients with an elevated body mass index (BMI). ¹ This resource guide will provide assistance to nurses and other healthcare providers to increase their awareness of the perioperative complications of pediatric patients with an elevated BMI in the day surgery setting.