If you have central, obstructive, or mixed sleep apnea, you may be at risk for dangerous complications following surgery. According to studies, patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were at double the risk of suffering complications following surgery, and nearly triple the risk for suffering serious complications, including transfer to the intensive care unit and cardiac events. In addition, patients with OSA had an average of 33 % longer hospital stay than patients with normal sleep patterns.
In addition, OSA sufferers are at a greater risk for complications related to sedatives or painkillers, and should be given limited dosages and closely monitored while on these drugs. Any surgery which may lead to swelling in the mouth and throat can become a deadly combination for OSA sufferers.
If you have sleep apnea, make sure your surgeon knows about it prior to any procedure, and make sure you ask your doctor explicitly about possible sleep-apnea-related complications with any prescribed medications.
If you have any sleep apnea symptoms, it may be best to have a conclusive diagnosis for sleep apnea performed before any major surgery. Please contact the Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment Center today for a free initial consultation.