Considering a tummy tuck but I also have sleep apnea. What can be done for that while under anesthesia and is it safe?

Nothing needs to be done by you during the general anesthesia, the anesthesiologist will take care of everything.  It is definitely safe.  However, we have our patients bring the nasal CPAP machine from home for the recovery room.  It really makes the wake up much easier.

I have performed safely many surgeries on sleep apnea patients.  if the you are also obese, the risks are certainly greater than in a healthier patient.preop evaluation by anesthesia, and postop evaluation in the PACU with possible need for overnight oberservation will be important.  make sure you inform your surgeon's of your condiditon.  Use of Exparel to minimize narcotics may also help.good luck

Hello calytonmc. Thanks for your question. I have done tummy tuck in patients who have sleep apnea successfully in the past. However, to determine whether this is a safe option for you, then a full preoperative medical evaluation would be in order. Things to consider would be your overall health status, weight and degree of airway obstruction. Most patients are able to get "clearance" but may need to lose weight or spend several nights under observation with their CPAP machine after the operation. Best wishes, Dr. ALDO.

Tummy tuck can be safely performed in patients who suffer from sleep apnea.  During surgery, the anesthesiologist will be controlling the breathing with an endotracheal tube, better known as a breathing tube.  It is very safe and controlled.  After surgery, you will need to make sure to use your CPAP machine when sleeping, just as you have prior to surgery.  The only other advice is to definitely seek a medical clearance from your general doctor prior to having this surgery, to make sure that you are fit from a cardiovascular standpoint to proceed with this surgery safely. 

Let your surgeon and anesthesiologist know about your history of sleep apnea and bring your CPAP machine if you have one to the surgery.  Your sleep apnea will not be a problem during your surgery because your anesthesiologist will have control of keeping your airway open with a tube.  At home be certain to have your CPAP machine on while you sleep as the narcotics you will be taking can compromise breathing.  With proper treatment and planning it should be safe to have the procedure even if you have sleep apnea.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.