Anesthesia and Perioperative Care of the High-Risk Patient: Obstructive sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome

Due to the obesity epidemic and aging population, there is increasing prevalence of clinically significant obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). These conditions are underrecognized in general practice, and may be even more common in the surgical cohort. Adequate perioperative management of these patients is important owing to increased risk of adverse events and increased health-care costs. Data for guidance on effective strategies to optimally identify and manage OSA and OHS in the perioperative setting are insufficient. Best available evidence to inform perioperative OSA and OHS care is summarized.