Okay, y’all, at this point, we have talked about using your CPAP and how it can be beneficial enough times for you to really have an understanding about how everything works. We know what can happen if OSA is left untreated, we know what kind of masks we like, we know about the numerous CPAP accessory options available. BUT… Did you know that if you are undergoing major surgery and you have not been tested for sleep apnea, you put yourself at more risk for certain medical issues in the future?
Of course, prior to any major surgery, you go through a series of tests or procedures that aid in the ease of surgery. One of those procedures that are very common these days is a sleep test – at least that is what the research suggests.
A study conducted by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) back in 2014 goes into detail about how starting treatment for OSA prior to major surgery is beneficial compared to the beginning of treatment after surgery. I’ve found my research through sciencedaily.com, where they first go over what OSA is and how it affects millions on a day to day basis.
The study consisted of over 4,200 patients – a portion of those were tested for OSA PRIOR to their major surgery, and the other portion tested for AFTER their surgery. According to ScienceDaily, “The study found that although patients with untreated OSA were at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications, patients who were diagnosed and treated with CPAP therapy before surgery were less than half as likely to experience cardiovascular complications such as cardiac arrest or shock. 
Additionally, researchers found that respiratory complications were twice as likely to occur in patients with OSA, compared to patients without the condition, regardless of when patients were diagnosed or if CPAP therapy was prescribed.”
The study does say, “The current study cannot determine whether the reduction in cardiovascular complications in DOSA [diagnosed OSA] patients was due to CPAP use or other unmeasured interventions because data on perioperative CPAP use was unavailable.” Meaning that although the results appeared to be conclusive to the hypothesis, there is no for sure way to know if screening for OSA and using a CPAP prior to surgery is the only reason for the reduction of cardiovascular problems.
Even if there were some way to tell, wouldn’t it be better to be safe than sorry? You don’t want to experience something as painful as cardiovascular problems, right? You want to be able to run after your grandchildren when it comes time for that, while living your best life possible, If you are under going some sort of surgery, please be sure to be screen for OSA – you never know, it may come in handy down the road.
For more information on the study, please see the following websites:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140923121415.htm
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/scheduled-for-surgery-heres-why-you-need-sleep-apnea-screening/
https://anesthesiology.pubs.asahq.org/article.aspx?articleid=1921548
For more information on CPAP machines, supplies, and accessories, please see:
www.cpapoffice.com