title: Immediate complications related to anesthesia in patients undergoing uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze and assess the perioperative risks and complications in patients receiving general anesthesia undergoing surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective chart review of patients with documented OSA who underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) with or without septoplasty for OSA between January 2009 and January 2010 at a specific institution. Anesthesia, operative, clinical, and postoperative/recovery nursing records were collected and reviewed for predetermined complications and risk factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Chart review was performed via electronic medical records, reviewing the perioperative course of 32 patients undergoing UPPP as identified by Current Procedural Terminology coding. Perioperative, clinical, and anesthetic records were reviewed for any complications and risks, defined as any adverse event delaying surgical progress or recovery along with any additional risk to patient safety. Criteria included interventions beyond those involved in undergoing routine general anesthesia. This included difficult intubation, reintubation, postoperative pulmonary edema, postoperative desaturations, and/or need for continuous positive airway pressure. The data obtained were stratified into results for intubation and special equipment needed along with airway visibility and intubation technique, reintubation, induction and supplemental drugs, neuromuscular blockade, neuromuscular blockade reversal, pain medications, body mass index, and overall anesthesia risk.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-two patients were reviewed with no severe adverse events such as reintubation, prolonged intubation, or postoperative pulmonary edema. Patients who were difficult to intubate or required nasal/oral airways failed to show any adverse outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients undergoing surgery for OSA are considered to be at increased risk of complications. Review of 32 patients failed to show any life-threatening risks or complications.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Cornell University Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, U.S.A.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Talei
authors.forename: Anne L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Cossu
authors.forename: Ralph
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Slepian
authors.forename: Ashutosh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kacker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000601:surgery*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D014609:Uvula / Q000601:surgery
keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea; anesthesia; obstructive sleep apnea syndrome; sleep apnea; uvulopalatopharyngoplasty