Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common type of apnea that occurs at nighttime while individuals are sleeping. OSA does not allow for normal air movement in and out of the lungs because of repeated airway collapse, which results in decreased oxygenation.

Risks

Increases a patient’s risk of perioperative complications, especially pulmonary and cardiac complications.

Worsens chronic health conditions, including:

• high blood pressure
• coronary artery disease
• congestive heart failure
• arrhythmias
• difficulty controlling blood sugar.

Surgeon Tools/Recommendations

Patients should undergo a sleep study prior to elective surgical procedures to further evaluate the condition and determine treatment options if there is concern for sleep apnea.

Potential Treatment Options

• continue Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
• oral Appliances
• lifestyle Changes
• weight loss
• avoidance of alcohol and certain medications
• quit Smoking
• positional therapy
• surgery