Sleep Apnea / CPAP: 

Individuals who have breathing disorders such as “Obstructive Sleep Apnea” and who may rely upon CPAP devices (continuous positive airway pressure) or utilize nighttime oxygen are advised that they are at a substantive risk for respiratory arrest and death when they take narcotic pain medications following surgery. This is an important consideration when evaluating the safety of surgical procedures in terms of very serious complications, including death, that relate to preexisting medical conditions. Surgery may be considered only with monitoring afterwards in a hospital setting in order to reduce risk of potential respiratory complications and to safely manage pain following surgery. 

Please consider the following symptoms of sleep apnea: 



I am frequently tired upon waking and throughout the day I have trouble staying asleep at night 





I have been told that I snore or stop breathing during sleep 





I wake up throughout the night or constantly turn from side to side 





I have been told that my legs or arms jerk while I’m sleeping 





I make abrupt snorting noises during sleep 





I feel tired or fall asleep during the day 



It is important for you to inform and discuss any of the above symptoms that you have experienced with your surgeon. 

STOP BANG Questionnaire: 

Snoring 

Do you snore loudly? Louder than talking or loud enough to be heard through a closed door? 

 

Tiredness 

Do you often feel tired? Do you sleep during the daytime? 

 

Observed apnea 

Has anyone observed you stop breathing during sleep? 

 

Pressure 

Do you have high blood pressure? 

 

BMI 

BMI >35 kg/m2 

 

Age 

Over 50 years old 

 

Neck 

Circumference >40 cm 

 

Gender 

Male 

 

High risk for OSAS: >= 3 positive responses