ABSTRACT

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an important health problem that is increasing with the increase in the incidence of obesity. For patients with OSA, it is reported that preoperative OSA diagnosis is made in only 10%–20% of the patients. Therefore, it gains importance that these patients are diagnosed in the preoperative period. The aim of this study is to analyze with a survey the experiences of anaesthesia experts working in Turkey about the diagnosis of patients with OSA, anaesthetic methods and postoperative care.

The study was completed with an online survey form distributed via email. Survey participants were sent an email, and those experts who wished to participate clicked on the link, answered the questions and returned the survey via email.

A total of 134 anaesthesia experts participated in this study. While 97% of the participating anaesthetists considered diagnosis of patients with OSA to be important, only 53% trusted themselves to recognize this patient group. Of the total number of participants. 43% did not know the STOP-BANG test used in the preoperative period to diagnose patients with OSA. The percentage who thought that patients with OSA would increase the incidence of difficult intubation was 84%. In the intraoperative period, the percentage who chose inhalation anaesthetics was 35%, whereas the rate of those who chose total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) was 48%.

This study indicates that the medical knowledge of Turkish anaesthetists on the topic of OSA requires updating. In addition, we believe a practical guide to standardize the diagnosis and preoperative/perioperative management of patients with OSA should be prepared for Turkish anaesthetists.

Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea, questionnaire, knowledge, attitudes, anaesthesiologist