Analysis of Preoperative Consultations of Patients With Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Background and Objectives：Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is wel known as a risk factor in the hypertension, cardiova-important to discover comorbid diseases and other risk factors for anesthesia and surgery itself. We tried to find out the incidence of consultation to other department and incidence of risk factors. Subjects and Method：195 patients who received surgery due to OSA and snoring were included. We analyzed consultation history to other department for evaluation of risk in surgery and medical records. Results：38.5% (75 patients) of the patients were consulted to other department. The causes of consultation were liver problems, abnormal chest PA, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, etc., in the order of frequency. Only 17 patients were newly diagnosed by consultation. The rate of consultation was significantly correlated with the severity of OSA by apnea-hypopnea index and minimal oxygen saturation. Conclusion：The patients with OSA ned several consultations for evaluation of operative and anesthetic risk, especially in the severe OSA. Therefore, OSA patients should be evaluated precisely, and managed carefully. (Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2008 ;51 :331-5)