Improving Perioperative Outcomes for the Adult Patient With Obstructive Sleep Apnea After General Anesthesia

Abstract

Care of the patient with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) has proved challenging in the postoperative setting. It has been observed that this patient population requires a high level of observation to maintain airway patency and oxygenation. Patients with OSA frequently present with an increased risk of difficult intubation and an increased sensitivity to sedative and analgesia medications. Postoperatively, patients with OSA are at risk for apnea, desaturation, and cardiac dysrhythmias.