Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS) is a relatively common, potentially fatal, disorder. Patients with SAS exhibit repetitive, often prolonged episodes of apnoea during sleep, with serious nocturnal and diurnal physiologic derangements. Several anecdotal reports and clinical studies have documented anaesthetic-related occurrence of fatal and near-fatal respiratory complications in these patients. The purpose of this article is to outline the potential problems encountered in anaesthetic management of adult SAS patients, and to suggest a practical approach for anaesthesia both for incidental and specific procedures. ⋯ Perioperative risks attending SAS patients emphasize the importance of their detection, perioperative evaluation and planning.