Perioperative Management of OSA Patients: Practical Solutions and Care Strategies- Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may present significant problems in the perioperative period, including difficult airways, sensitivity to anesthetic agents, and postoperative adverse events. This 8 page monograph is an assimilation of material presented at the Challenges in the Perioperative Management of OSA Patients symposium, held in October 2010, and is designed to provide practical solutions and strategies for the perioperative care of patients with OSA. Additional contributions have been made by course faculty, and references to recent publications regarding OSA practice guidelines have been included. OSA is the most prevalent sleep disorder in the adult population. Current estimates suggest that moderately severe OSA is present in approximately 11.4% of men and 4.7% of women. The prevalence of OSA is higher in patients presenting for surgery than in the general population, and a significant proportion of OSA patients remain undiagnosed when they present for surgery. This is of concern to the perioperative physician, as OSA has been associated with increased perioperative risk and postoperative complications.
Review the pathophysiology of OSA in the context of recent clinical research regarding perioperative care, sleep, and anesthesia. Determine the challenging link between comorbidities, including obesity, and their effects on airway management and ventilation. Formulate how to implement screening and treatment procedures for obstructive sleep apnea. Discuss the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risks to patients with OSA, and apply strategies to mitigate these risks in support of positive patient outcomes.
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