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The Morbidly Obese Patient

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Complexities in Colorectal Surgery

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Abstract

By now, almost everyone is aware of the epidemic of obesity and the associated health problems it presents. Yet, for surgeons, and specifically for colorectal surgeons, the potential struggles and complications related to obesity alone are numerous. Throughout all phases of surgery—optimization prior to the operating room, intraoperative technical issues, and postoperative recovery stage—obesity affects essentially every aspect in the surgical pathway. In this chapter, we will highlight the unique challenges of obesity as they relate to colorectal surgery. Furthermore, we will outline our thought process and tips to help minimize morbidity when managing the obese patient.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ravitch Division, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA

    Jonathan E. Efron MD

  2. Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, LA, 70121, USA

    H. David Vargas MD

Authors
  1. Jonathan E. Efron MD
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  2. H. David Vargas MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jonathan E. Efron MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery Department of Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, Fort Lewis, WA, USA

    Scott R. Steele MD

  2. Division of Colorectal Surgery Department of Surgery, UMass Memorial Medical Center University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA

    Justin A. Maykel MD

  3. Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery Department of Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Bradley J. Champagne MD

  4. Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Science Center LSU School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA

    Guy R. Orangio MD

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Efron, J.E., Vargas, H.D. (2014). The Morbidly Obese Patient. In: Steele, S.R., Maykel, J.A., Champagne, B.J., Orangio, G.R. (eds) Complexities in Colorectal Surgery. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9022-7_26

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9022-7_26

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-9021-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-9022-7

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