Guidelines on Preoperative Screening and Assessment of Adult Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Editor's Note

These guidelines were developed to provide a more efficient and cost-effective preoperative workup of patients with diagnosed or suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

They examine the existing evidence-base for preoperative screening and preparation of patients with OSA, as well as the perioperative use of CPAP in patients with diagnosed or undiagnosed OSA.

Patients are categorized into three groups:

• diagnosed OSA, treated
• diagnosed OSA, partially treated/untreated
• suspected OSA.

The guidelines also recommend against delaying or canceling surgery for further workup except in particular groups of patients with additional problems suggesting disturbed ventilation or gas exchange.

Chung, Frances MBBS, FRCPC; Memtsoudis, Stavros G. MD, PhD; Ramachandran, Satya Krishna MD; Nagappa, Mahesh MD; Opperer, Mathias MD; Cozowicz, Crispiana MD; Patrawala, Sara MD; Lam, David BSc; Kumar, Anjana BSc; Joshi, Girish P. MD; Fleetham, John MD; Ayas, Najib MD; Collop, Nancy MD; Doufas, Anthony G.