Join Dr Hanlie du Plessis for this webinar as she delves into the unique anaesthetic challenges presented by obese patients, exploring critical factors that influence care from pre-operative assessment to post-operative recovery. Through the “ABCDE” framework—Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Diabetes, and Emergency care—participants will learn key strategies for managing obesity-related complications in the peri-operative setting. With a focus on airway management, ventilatory challenges, cardiovascular optimisation, and diabetes control, this session provides practical, evidence-based insights for anaesthetists and healthcare professionals involved in the care of obese patients.
Hanlie grew up in South Africa and after completing her medical degree she moved to Scotland to complete her post graduate training in Anaesthesia. She worked as a consultant anaesthetist in the West and Central Scotland before moving to Oxford in 2015. Her work involves anaesthesia for major emergencies, spinal trauma, urology and gynaecological procedures.
She has been awarded for her compassionate care and previously nominated for the ‘Doctor of the Year’ award in Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
She was instrumental in establishing their departmental wellbeing and sustenance initiative during the pandemic. She is the lead for clinical governance in her group and teaches medical students from the University of Oxford on their rotation in anaesthesia.
She is a holistic clinician and practices as a life coach working with clinicians to prevent burnout and find clarity to navigate their career transitions.
She is currently training in lifestyle medicine which aligns with her interests in preventative medicine. She lives by her values of empathy, empowerment and equality-especially for women in medicine.
She regularly practices yoga, reads as much as possible, loves the outdoors, the ocean and coffee.
Key Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Recognize and manage airway challenges in obese patients during anaesthesia.
- Understand peri-operative ventilatory challenges in obese patients, including obstructive sleep apnoea and intra-operative ventilation techniques.
- Manage the cardiovascular effects of obesity, including hypertension and cardiac function, as well as technical challenges such as line placement.
- Implement effective pre-operative diabetes control and peri-operative management to reduce risks.
- Apply anaesthetic strategies tailored to the obese patient, with an emphasis on pre-operative cardiovascular optimisation and emergency care protocols.
