Abstract
Objective: This study aims to examine the perioperative challenges faced by patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The research focuses on developing a multidisciplinary care model that integrates anesthesiologists, pulmonologists, and surgeons to enhance patient safety and improve postoperative recovery.
Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively and prospectively over a defined study period at a tertiary care teaching hospital in KPK. Adult patients with clinically suspected or previously diagnosed OSA who underwent surgical procedures under general or regional anesthesia were included. Data were collected on demographic variables, comorbidities, perioperative risk stratification, anesthetic techniques, airway management, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. A multidisciplinary perioperative pathway was implemented and outcomes were compared before and after its structured adoption. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to assess perioperative outcomes and complication rates.
Research Type: Observational Research
Results: Patients with OSA demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of perioperative respiratory complications, difficult airway management, postoperative hypoxemia, and prolonged hospital stay compared to non-OSA surgical patients. Implementation of the multidisciplinary care model was associated with improved preoperative screening, reduced unplanned ICU admissions, better postoperative respiratory monitoring, and a measurable decline in adverse respiratory events. Enhanced communication among perioperative teams contributed to improved clinical decision-making and patient-centered care.
Conclusion: The findings indicated that patients with OSA represented a high-risk surgical population requiring tailored perioperative management. A multidisciplinary approach significantly improved perioperative safety and postoperative recovery. Early identification of OSA, coordinated anesthetic planning, optimized postoperative monitoring, and interdepartmental collaboration were essential in reducing morbidity. Adoption of structured multidisciplinary perioperative protocols was recommended, particularly in resource-limited tertiary care settings.