Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in perioperative medicine

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common form of sleep disorder breathing and is characterized by recurrent cessations of breathing during sleep. Estimated prevalence of OSA could be as high as 24% in normal population and may be even higher (up to 64%) in the population of surgical patients. OSA is associated with major comorbidities, higher mortality rates and perioperative complications. In surgical patients, despite higher prevalence and clinical importance it is often undiagnosed. Anaesthesiologists play a pivotal role in the perioperative period and could improve both diagnostics and perioperative course of these patients.