Suffering from sleep apnea may have added risks from anesthesia. There are many potentially serious concerns but with careful monitoring, effects can be minimal or even eliminated.
What Should I Do?
First, its very important that the anesthesiologist is aware of your sleep apnea. Precautionary measures have to be taken to be sure that any breathing problems dont endanger your time under anesthesia. In obstructive sleep apnea, the airways narrow when the throat muscles relax. This can affect the brain as the normal flow of oxygen to the lungs is interrupted.
The brain will sense the reduced lack of oxygen and will signal you to wake up. When you are under anesthesia, this is not possible. Being under anesthesia also contributes to more interrupted breathing spells. When an anesthesiologist has a patient with sleep apnea, he will take special care to keep airways open. Close monitoring is kept on the patient in surgery and in the recovery room.
Side effects from anesthesia can linger for hours after surgery so constant care is given to the patient during this time. A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine may be used to ensure the airways remain open for an even, continuous flow of oxygen. Generally as the body adjusts to the medications given for surgery, the immediate dangers will pass. In some severe cases, mechanical ventilation may need to be given.
Is Canceling My Surgery an Option?
Theres no reason to cancel a surgery because of potential problems as long as youve made your medical personnel aware of your sleep apnea disorder. This will allow them to plan for the monitoring needed during surgery and immediately afterward.
Some people are not aware that they have sleep apnea and how it could complicate a surgery. If you think you may have it but are unsure, ask yourself a few simple questions. Do you snore? Are you tired and groggy in the morning? Are you falling asleep during the day? If you can answer yes to these questions you need to speak to your doctor about sleep apnea. Having your doctor diagnose sleep apnea before having anesthesia is an important step to a complete recovery.