Lung separation techniques in the morbidly obese patient undergoing thoracic or esophageal surgery may be at risk of\r\ncomplications during airway management. Access to the airway in the obese patient can be a challenge because they have\r\naltered airway anatomy, including a short and redundant neck, limited neck extension and accumulation of fat deposition in\r\nthe pharyngeal wall contributing to difficult laryngoscopy. Securing the airway is the first priority in these patients followed by\r\nappropriate techniques for lung separation with the use of a single-lumen endotracheal tube and a bronchial blocker or another\r\nalternative is with the use of a double-lumen endotracheal tube. This review is focused on the use of lung isolation devices\r\nin the obese patient. The recommendations are based upon scientific evidence, case reports or personal experience. Fiberoptic\r\nbronchoscopy must be used to place and confirm proper placement of a single-lumen endotracheal tube, bronchial blocker or\r\ndouble-lumen endotracheal tube.
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