Abstract / Summary
Abstract Background Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a frequent but often underdiagnosed condition, impacting patient health, especially during the postoperative period. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of sleep apneas and hypopneas in patients scheduled for thoracic surgery. Method This prospective, single-center study was conducted at the University Hospital of Tours in France. Over a 12-week period, 81 patients scheduled for thoracic surgery were contacted. Evaluation was based on the STOP-Bang questionnaire, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Body Mass Index (BMI) in combination with cardiovascular risk factors. Patients identified as being at high risk of sleep apneas and hypopneas were referred for polysomnography. We also assessed postoperative complications in our patient cohort as a secondary endpoint. Results Of 81 patients, 31 were excluded and 50 completed the screening process. 13 (26%) underwent home polysomnography, and 10 (77% of those tested) were newly diagnosed with OSAS needing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy during sleep. Overall, 18 patients (22%) across the cohort (n = 81) had OSAS needing (CPAP); 8 previously diagnosed and 10 identified through screening and treated with CPAP before surgery. One year later, 50% of patients stopped their treatment. Conclusion Systematic preoperative screening for sleep apneas and hyponeas in thoracic surgery patients is feasible and reveals a high rate of undiagnosed cases. Integration of targeted screening into structured care pathways, such as the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, may represent a practical and clinically relevant strategy to optimize perioperative management of sleep disordered breathing in this high-risk population.