A case of morbidly obese 65-year old patient (body mass index BMI = 56) with gynaecological malignant tumour is described. After repeated uneventful subarachnoid blocks she suffered a fracture of the femur and pelvis as a result of falling out of bed.
Following successful orthopaedic treatment the malignant gynaecological tumour recurred. The combined gynaecological and plastic surgery under general anaesthesia was followed by failure of vital functions and the patient was admitted to the critical care unit.
Finally she recovered completely. The problems of anaesthesia in morbidly obese patients are discussed