Obese Pre-Oxygenation Positioning — FRCA Final MCQ

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EasyGeneral AnaesthesiaObese Pre-Oxygenation PositioningFRCA Final

A 66-year-old man with BMI 42 is listed for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. SpO2 91% supine on air. Most effective pre-oxygenation positioning?

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Correct answer: C — 30-degree head-up tilt

30-degree head-up (ramped) position significantly increases FRC and safe apnoea time in morbid obesity. Reduces cephalad diaphragmatic displacement. ~50% increase in safe apnoea time vs supine. Also improves laryngoscopic view (ear-to-sternal-notch alignment).

Reference: Association of Anaesthetists – 2023 – Peri-operative management of the obese patient