The results of two studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists reinforce the need for physicians to properly screen patients for obstructive sleep apnea prior to surgery, according to a news release from ASA.
The investigator on both studies — Frances Chung, FRCPC, professor, department of anesthesia, University Health Network, University of Toronto — called for the implementation of a screening procedure, increased use of the "STOP-Bang" questionnaire and home monitoring by an oximeter wristwatch to help reduce undiagnosed cases of and manage obstructive sleep apnea.
Read the ASA news release about obstructive sleep apnea.
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