The prevalence of perioperative complications in patients with obstructive sleep apnea versus without obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Background: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have high risk of postoperative complications. The purpose of the study was to record the spectrum and frequency of postoperative complications in patients with OSA versus (vs.) without OSA depending on the type of surgery and type of anesthesia in a large cohort of patients. Material and methods: We conducted a prospective, descriptive study (n=400). Ethics Committee approval was obtained and written informed consent was signed. STOP-BANG screening questionnaire was used for OSA screening (71.5% ‒ OSA [+]). Adverse events and complications were recorded postoperatively (AOS [+] vs. AOS [-]). Statistics: Chi square test. Results: The highest rate of complications was found in patients who have undergone surgery on the abdominal cavity under general anaesthesia, AOS [+] vs. AOS [-]: cardiovascular [59.2%] vs. [9,9%], respiratory [13.4%] vs. [3.4%], stroke [0.4%] vs. [0.0% ], prolonged awakening from anesthesia [1.9%] vs. [0.4%], postoperative fever [2.4%] vs. [1.4%], difficult orotracheal intubation [2.2%] vs. [0.4% ], unscheduled transfer to the intensive care unit [3.9%] vs. [0.2%]. Conclusions: OSA [+] patients who underwent abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia had a higher rate of complications compared to OSA [-] patients, and also compared to patients who had undergone peripheral limb surgery. Surgery on the musculoskeletal system is much better tolerated by patients with OSA, suffering a lower number and range of events and postoperative complications. Thus, loco-regional anesthesia is considered a priority in patients with OSA.