Anesthesia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
How are sleep and anesthesia the same? How do they differ?
Sleep is natural. When you have met the need for it, it will finish by itself. Anesthesia is caused by drugs. It will only finish when the drugs wear off. These drugs work by acting on the same parts of the brain that control sleep. Both anesthesia and sleep reduce your breathing efforts. They also cause your muscles, including throat muscles, to relax. Because of these changes there is a risk of under-breathing or blocking of the throat in both sleep and anesthesia.
What problems can OSA cause during anesthesia? What about after?
People who have OSA are at risk of their throat blocking when sedated or under anesthesia, just as can happen during sleep. This situation is worse with sedation and anesthesia because they interfere with the ability to respond to the blocking by arousing or waking up. Anesthesiologists can best cope with this if they know you have, or might have OSA. Your anesthetist will be with you throughout your operation to look after you, and there are extra options to deal with OSA. These include special anesthesia methods, a longer period of close monitoring after surgery and applying CPAP when you are sedated or asleep.
What should I tell my Anesthesiologists prior to the surgery?
Anesthesia and surgery can affect many body functions. Thus your anesthesiologist needs to know about any health issues which could affect your wellbeing when you have surgery. You will meet your anesthesiologist before the surgery to discuss these matters.
OSA can create special problems. If you have OSA, or think that you might have it, be sure to let your anesthesiologist know before your surgery.
There are other issues that you normally talk about before the surgery e.g. previous illnesses (such as recent problems with your lungs or throat), smoking, any drugs you may be taking (both legal and illicit, as well as herbal and alternative treatments), how much alcohol you drink, allergies (to drugs and dressings), previous problems with anesthesia (including postoperative nausea and vomiting and postoperative pain), a family history of anesthesia problems and pregnancy or the possibility of it.
How do I get ready for surgery?
You should learn about the surgery you are having. You need to know what it will do for you, as well as the risks. This includes the care plan for after the operation, including pain relief. Unless it is an emergency, you should fast before the surgery according to the instructions you are given.
What should I do about my CPAP therapy?
If you use CPAP or other treatment for sleep apnea, you must let your anesthesiologist know. If you are using CPAP, your familiarity with it is helpful as it makes it easier to apply after the operation. Bring your equipment with you on the day of your admission. You should know your pressure settings and mask type. This is in case hospital equipment needs to be used.
Where can I find out more?
http://www.sleepapnea.org/about-asaa/position-statements/sleep-apnea-and-same-day-surgery.html
Important Things to Know About Anesthesia and Sleep
-
Anesthesia and sleep are the same in many ways, including their effects on breathing and upper airway function.
-
-
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have trouble breathing when they sleep. When they are under anesthesia or as they recover from it, they can have trouble as well.
-
-
If you have OSA, you must let your anesthesiologist know.
-
-
Your anesthesia care team will set up special care for you after surgery. This is to reduce the risk of problems after the surgery.
-
-
If you use CPAP or another sleep apnea treatment at home, you must take your pump and mask or other treatment with you to hospital.