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Assessing and Managing Surgical Risk in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Narrative Review

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The aim of this review is to examine the existing data for risks involved and clinical recommendations for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) undergoing a surgical procedure.

Recent Findings

In addition to upper airway anatomy, there are non-anatomical endotypes of OSA as well. The response of these endotypes to various perioperative scenarios can be used for targeted, patient-specific intervention. Screening tools should be used for risk stratification. Positive airway pressure therapy remains the treatment of choice. A few patients may require supplemental oxygen.

Summary

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of perioperative complications. Due to limited research in this area, there remains a paucity of standardized practice guidelines for at risk patient populations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Leonard Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Hasrat Sidhu, Alejandro Chediak, Amit Kalra, Christian Castillo Latorre, Kori Ascher & Alexandre Abreu

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  1. Hasrat Sidhu
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Correspondence to Alejandro Chediak.

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Methods

The literature search was conducted from September to October 2022 using Pubmed and Google Scholar database. Search terms included “obstructive sleep apnea”, “perioperative morbidity”, “opioids and OSA”, “intubation, anesthesia and OSA”, “upper airway and OSA”. Only articles published in English were included. We focused on articles published from January 2017 to September 2022 including randomized control trails, cohort studies, and literature reviews. A meta-analysis was not performed.

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Sidhu, H., Chediak, A., Kalra, A. et al. Assessing and Managing Surgical Risk in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Narrative Review. Curr Pulmonol Rep 13, 10–17 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13665-023-00333-w

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