Surgery with OSA

Posted by plk39 @plk39, Apr 27 6:39pm

I have severe obstructive sleep apnea and I’m wondering how this is managed during surgery. I do not wear a CPAP as I cannot tolerate, but I wear a mandibular dental device every night.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 28 3:03pm

Welcome @plk39, I have obstructive sleep apnea and have a bi-lateral inguinal hernia surgery and a knee replacement surgery but I just had to bring my CPAP with me for use for the hospital stay. Here's some information on your question that explains more.

-- If You Have Sleep Apnea, Read This Before Surgery: https://www.verywellhealth.com/sleep-apnea-and-anesthesia-5217627

Have you talked with the surgeon or your care team to see if there are any special considerations for the surgery when you have sleep apnea?

plk39 | @plk39 | Apr 29 12:26pm

Thank you for your response. I do not use CPAP and do not have a machine. I use a mandibular dental device that pushes my jaw forward so my throat does not close during sleep. I cannot tolerate CPAP as I am in constant movement during my sleep. I have not talked to the doctor about this as I have no surgery booked, but it is my worst fear that if something should come up in an emergency situation, how it would be handled. My concern is the surgery procedure itself while I am under general anaesthesia. I would use my dental appliance during my hospital stay in recovery.