Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Post-Operative Complications: Single Center Data, Review of Literature and Guidelines for Practicing Internists and Surgeons

Obstructive sleep apnea has been linked to higher rates of post-operative complications in some studies. We examined the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea and its impact on post-operative complications in 125 patients (21 prospective, 104 retrospective) undergoing various elective outpatient surgeries at our institution. Ten percent of these patients had OSA, and half of them were on continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). Patients who were on CPAP as outpatients received CPAP post-operatively as well. No patients died, and the prevalence of post-operative complications was low. There was no difference in complication rates between patients with and without OSA. We also review the existing literature on this subject and make practical recommendations regarding pre-operative evaluation and postoperative management of these patients for practicing internists and surgeons based on the current literature.