The management of patients with known or suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an evolving field. It is known that patients with OSA have a two- to three-fold increased risk of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications.1,2 In order to avoid complications, preoperative screening of patients is essential for optimal management and risk mitigation. ASA, the Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) and the Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine (SASM) have published recommendations in this area.3-5 This article will highlight the essential recommendations by these groups on the specific aspect of preoperative screening and assessment of surgical patients with OSA.
ASA published updated guidelines on the perioperative management of patients with OSA in 2014.3 It is suggested that anesthesiologists should work with surgeons to develop a protocol whereby patients with suspected OSA are evaluated long before the day of surgery to allow better preparation. If OSA...
