Controversies when using mechanical ventilation in obese patients with and without acute distress respiratory syndrome

Introduction: As the prevalence of obesity increases, so does the number of obese patients undergoing surgical procedures and being admitted into intensive care units. Obesity per se is associated with reduced lung volume. The combination of general anaesthesia and supine positioning involved in most surgeries causes further reductions in lung volumes, thus resulting in alveolar collapse, decreased lung compliance, increased airway resistance,...