Author/Authors :
Baluch, Amir University of Miami - Jackson Memorial Hospital, USA , Mahbubani, Sunil Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, USA , Al-Fadhli, Fahad University of Mississippi Medical Center - Department of Radiology, USA , Kaye, Alan Louisiana State University Health Science Center - Department of Anesthesiology, USA , Frost, Elizabeth A.M. Mount Sinai Medical Center, USA
Abstract :
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an insidious, progressive disease that is significantly under diagnosed in the general population. It carries increased risk of difficult intubation preoperatively and increased risk of postoperative respiratory depression and airway collapse leading to hypoxia and possibly asphyxia. In light of the estimated prevalence of symptomatic OSA in 5% of the general populace, and the fact that 80% of these patients remain undiagnosed, it is crucial for anesthesia personnel to screen every patient undergoing anesthesia for this disorder quickly and effectively, and likewise, to have a strategy for perioperative care.
