Feasibility and Outcomes of Day Surgery in Overweight and Obese Patients: A Retrospective Study at New Najran General Hospital, Saudi Arabia

Received: 16 June 2025; Accepted: 21 June 2025; Published: 17 July 2025 ABSTRACT Background: Metabolic disorders pose challenges in day surgery because of potential complications and extended recovery times. However, comprehensive data on outcomes in overweight and obese patients are limited. This study evaluated the feasibility and outcomes of day surgery in these patients at the New Najran General Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 104 overweight and obese patients who underwent day surgery between January and March 2025 was conducted. Data on age, BMI, type of surgery and duration, anesthesia, day surgery unit (DSU) stay, and complications were analysed. using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, linear and logistic regression. Results: The cohort had a mean age of 44.2±14.6 years and a mean BMI of 31.2±5.1 kg/m². Of the cohort, 53.8% were obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30). The complication rate was low (2.88%), with pain and nausea/vomiting being the most common. Linear regression analysis revealed a positive association between BMI and DSU duration (slope = 0.03, p < 0.05). A higher BMI was significantly correlated with prolonged postanesthesia care unit (DSU) stay (r=0.32, p<0.001) and complications (OR=1.08 per BMI unit, p=0.01). General anesthesia independently predicted longer DSU stays (β=0.31, p=0.002) and higher complication rates (odds ratio [OR] =2.4, p=0.005). Complication rates increased across BMI categories: 4% (overweight), 6% (Class I obesity), 9% (Class II obesity), and 15% (Class III obesity) (p=0.03). Conclusion: Day surgery is feasible for obese patients; however, a higher BMI, general anesthesia, and longer procedures significantly impact outcomes. The preferential use of local anesthesia for patients with BMI ≥35 kg/m² may optimize recovery.