Postoperative management of obstructive sleep apnea following abdominal surgery: Key practical recommendations

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common form of sleep disordered breathing seen in all age groups. These patients have been recognized as potential independent risk factors for adverse perioperative outcome. They are at increased risk of developing postoperative pulmonary complications after general anesthesia [1]. They very often remain undiagnosed before operation. Mortality rate after upper abdominal operation in OSA patient is higher than non-OSA patient. Upper abdominal operation reduces lung volume, leading to hypoxaemia. Proper preoperative screening and management reduces the risk of postoperative problems.