Perioperative management and surgical outcome of the acromegalic patient with sleep apnea

Abstract

Sleep apnea is a rare complicating factor of acromegaly associated with a high risk of perioperative airway compromise and unclear response to transsphenoidal resection of the underlying pituitary tumor. We reviewed four acromegalic patients with sleep apnea and documented postoperative objective and subjective improvement of their sleep disorders. The pathogenesis of this disorder and safe perioperative airway management are discussed.