I have sleep apnea. Would it be safe for me to have anesthesia if I am using propofol?

General anesthesia can be dangerous for people with obstructive sleep apnea. The reason is because it slows down your breathing and can make you more sensitive to its effects. Sleep apnea also can make it more difficult to regain consciousness and affects your breathing after the surgery. Please let your surgeon know about your medical condition.

Thank you for your question regarding the safety of undergoing anesthesia with controlled sleep apnea. It’s great that you are being proactive about understanding potential risks before your tummy tuck.

Sleep apnea is an important consideration when planning surgery under anesthesia. Propofol, often used for twilight sedation or general anesthesia, is typically safe for sleep apnea patients when administered by an experienced anesthesiologist who is aware of your condition. However, it’s critical to inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist about your sleep apnea diagnosis and the specifics of your treatment, such as the use of a CPAP machine.

If your surgery is planned with spinal anesthesia and twilight sedation, this approach might reduce risks compared to full general anesthesia. Twilight sedation allows for a lighter level of sedation and avoids intubation, which may be beneficial for sleep apnea patients. However, even with twilight sedation, there is still a risk of airway obstruction during surgery. This is why close monitoring of oxygen levels and breathing is crucial throughout the procedure.

It is also important to have a thorough pre-operative evaluation by your primary care physician or a sleep specialist. They may recommend additional tests, such as an updated sleep study, or adjustments to your CPAP settings to optimize your condition before surgery. If you use a CPAP machine, bring it with you for use in the recovery room post-surgery.

When traveling to another country for surgery, ensure the facility is equipped with proper monitoring and emergency resources, and that the surgical team is experienced in managing patients with sleep apnea. Communication with your surgical team about your health history and ensuring proper pre-operative clearance are vital to minimizing risks.

By taking these precautions and working with your doctors and surgeon, you can safely undergo your tummy tuck.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

I would be cautious having procedures outside of the United States with preexisting medical conditions. Prior to reading that you are having your surgery in the DR I was going to mention to be sure to select a board certified plastic surgeon and speak to your anesthesiologist about your condition and your rationale in saying that it is "controlled". Since you are having your surgery abroad you may want to review your surgical plans with your pulmonologist or whoever treats you for your apnea for clearance.