Perioperative risk stratification for a patient with severe obstructive sleep apnoea undergoing laparoscopic banding surgery

Abstract

Summary Despite the increasing prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), there is limited evidence to guide appropriate preoperative investigations, inpatient or outpatient surgery allocation, and the anticipated level of postoperative care. With reference to our institution's perioperative risk stratification, we describe the case of a 46-year-old Caucasian male with a body mass index of 51 kg/m2 admitted for laparoscopic band insertion. Management based on our guidelines involved a preoperative polysomnography where the patient was confirmed to have severe OSA. His postoperative care was then managed in the high dependency care unit. He was discharged home on day 2 with no further sequelae. We provide evidence that adoption of this model of care can simplify clinical decision making and resource allocation with favourable patient outcomes. Copyright © 2013 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved.