Researchers examined the incidence of perioperative sleep-disordered breathing in patients undergoing major surgery, concluding that AHI did, in fact, increase. The prospective cohort study titled “Incidence of perioperative sleep-disordered breathing in patients undergoing major surgery” sought to determine if major surgery might have a modulating effect on nocturnal breathing patterns.
As summarized in the abstract, polygraphic recordings were obtained from 37 inpatients without a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea during the preoperative night before, and six nights following, major surgical procedures.
Eligible patients consenting to participate in this study underwent polygraphic recordings including four items (O2-saturation, pulse, nasal air flow and snoring) during the study period. Polygraphic data obtained from the postoperative recordings were compared to preoperative recordings.
AHI-scores of the third to sixth night post surgery differed significantly from data observed in the preoperative night. Researchers ultimately concluded that “a significant increase in the AHI occurred frequently after major surgical procedures in the late postoperative period. Sleep-disordered breathings in the late postoperative period deserve attention, as they potentially increase the risk of postoperative complications.”
