Awareness is increasing about the dangers of sleep apnea. Risk of stroke and cardiovascular events are a couple of the serious impacts of this condition. But what about the impacts of apnea on a patient undergoing surgery for an unrelated condition?

A recent article in US News & World Report highlights the surgery-related risks of sleep apnea. The article is based on an interview with Dr. Frances Chung, professor at the University of Toronto’s University Health Network.

According to Dr. Chung, surgical patients with obstructive sleep apnea are more difficult to manage in terms of anesthesia. Those with apnea have a greater chance of problems such as postoperative complications, difficult intubation, admission to the intensive care unit, and a longer hospital stay. During the surgery the anesthesiologist is present to monitor breathing but afterwards the patient is alone with medical staff occasionally checking on them. It is during this time where the highest level of danger exists.

Most hospitals do not routinely screen for sleep apnea prior to surgery so it is important to consult with your surgeon if you know you have apnea. If you have a CPAP machine, the anesthesiologist will usually put you back on the CPAP after surgery.

Dr. Chung has developed the STOP tool which consists of a series of yes or no questions to screen for sleep apnea. The questions are:

S: Do you snore loudly?

T: Do you often feel tired, fatigued or sleepy during the daytime?

O: Has anyone observed you stop breathing during sleep?

P: Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure?

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