Perioperative Participation in OSA Awareness

Over 12 million Americans potentially have OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) and this number is expected to increase. As symptoms are vague, patients frequently are unaware of their condition. Our institution is a Level One transplant/trauma center and performs over 140 surgeries a day. The use of narcotics and sedatives is prevalent and can place ‘high risk’ patients in a dangerous position. Our anesthesia department took a proactive approach and initiated a preoperative screening assessment to establish potential risk in surgical patients. Our division took a proactive approach at ensuring OSA protocols were strictly followed in the preoperative holding area and recovery room.