Perioperative sleep apnea: a real problem or did we invent a new disease? [version 1; referees: 2 approved]

Abstract

Depending on the subpopulation, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can affect more than 75% of surgical patients. An increasing body of evidence supports the association between OSA and perioperative complications, but some data indicate important perioperative outcomes do not differ between patients with and without OSA. In this review we will provide an overview of the pathophysiology of sleep apnea and the risk factors for perioperative complications related to sleep apnea. We also discuss a clinical algorithm for the identification and management of OSA patients facing surgery.

Keywords

• Airway/Respiratory Physiology
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Diabetes & Obesity
• Health Service Delivery & Management of Anesthesia
• Health Systems & Services Research
• Neuropharmacology & Psychopharmacology
• Pain Management: Acute Clinical
• Rhinology & Paranasal Sinus Disease
• Sensory Systems
• Sleep & Ventilation Disorders