Anesthesia & Clinical Research
Open Access

Abstract

Effects of Anesthesia on Patients Undergoing Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Anesthesia and sleep both predispose to upper airway obstruction induced reductions in pharyngeal dilator muscle activation. Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are common in patients presenting for surgery and are associated with increased morbidity. Analgesia contributes significantly to postoperative respiratory depression and obstruction. Screening for sleep apnea should be done for all surgical patients. Every patient diagnosed with OSA, or with clinical suspicion of OSA, should be considered to have a difficult airway, and consequently has increased risk of anesthesia. The possible problems may arise during tracheal intubation, extubation, or with postoperative analgesia, since opioids increase the incidence of pharyngeal collapse. Patients with known or suspected obstructive sleep apnea need careful postoperative management. Postoperative monitoring for apnea, desaturation, and dysrhythmias is a necessity in sleep apnea patients.