[Perioperative management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea : update on the practice guidelines of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force]

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a widespread disease which is associated with many cardiovascular diseases and can have health-related consequences for affected patients if untreated. It is known that perioperative airway complications occur more often in OSA patients during general anesthesia. Some years ago the Task Force of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) published practice guidelines on the perioperative approach to OSA patients. These guidelines have now been revised and updated. This article gives a summary of the recommended approach for the perioperative treatment of patients with OSA given in the 2014 guidelines.