Journal of clinical anesthesia
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Review Case Reports
Anesthetic management of obstructive sleep apnea patients.
Presented in an illustrative case report and a review of the anesthetic management of obstructive sleep apnea patients. Preoperative evaluation should include a thorough airway evaluation and a comprehensive cardiovascular and pulmonary evaluation. With polysomnography, identification of the severity of sleep apnea can be idenified. ⋯ Opioids and sedatives should be avoided, as should other drugs that have central and sedating effects. Postoperative pain is effectively controlled with acetaminophen and topical anesthetic sprays. Postoperative monitoring for apnea, desaturation, and dysrhythmias is a necessity in sleep apnea patients.