“Is it dangerous to have anesthesia with sleep apnea?”
I'm going to have surgery on my heart and for this I need to have general anesthesia. But I've had sleep apnea for the past three years. My doctors are aware of this, but it still makes me nervous. Is anesthesia usually dangerous for patients with sleep apnea??
3 Answers
Absolutely not dangerous. They have and will monitor you more carefully. Post-op, if you wear BIPAP, THEY WILL PROVIDE YOU.
Generally, no. Once your doctors clear you for surgery, the anesthesiologist will ask you questions about your sleep apnea as well. Generally, if the surgery requires general anesthesia, you will have a breathing tube or endotracheal tube to assist your breathing, and after removal of the breathing tube, we support your airway and breathing as needed. The effects of anesthesia are short lived, so you should be just fine. They will use CPAP if needed in the hospital for you.
Marc A. Morales, MD
Marc A. Morales, MD
Increased risk, but not dangerous. Make your anesthesiologist aware of your medical history.
