Perioperative management of obstructive sleep apnea: ready for prime time?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke and with elevated rates of postoperative complications (including cardiac ischemia and respiratory failure) in surgical patients. Additionally, the prevalence of OSA is higher in surgical patients than in the general population. Screening for OSA prior to surgery is recommended to identify patients at risk for postoperative complications. The presence of moderate or severe OSA calls for modified strategies of perioperative anesthesia, pain management, and postoperative monitoring to reduce the chance of OSA-associated complications.