Perioperative Complications in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Factors to consider when evaluating how patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) should be monitored postoperatively include the preclinical suspicion of the severity of OSA, type of surgery, the anticipated need for pain medications, and the availability of emergency airway and respiratory equipment. In general, all patients with OSA undergoing upper airway surgery should be strongly considered for inpatient surgery. Minor surgeries requiring local or regional anesthesia only can be safely performed on an outpatient basis in patients with OSA. Minor outpatient procedures that require IV sedation or IV analgesia can also be safely performed in patients with OSA.