BMJ  2004;329 (23 October), doi:10.1136/bmj.329.7472.0-e

Sleep apnoea increases risks in general anaesthesia

Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea are at high risk of complications when having general anaesthesia. Den Herder and colleagues (p 955) say that undiagnosed sleep apnoea is common. Obesity (especially large neck circumference), increasing age, being male, and alcohol consumption predispose to sleep apnoea. Tailored premedication and intubation technique and careful post-extubation management are needed, including judicious use of pain relief medication, continuous positive airway pressure, and surveillance in an intensive care unit.

Credit: SIMON FRASER/SPL

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