Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk Management

Lumbar disc herniation is a common musculoskeletal condition that negatively affects quality of life, physical function, and daily activities. Previous studies have shown that individuals with lumbar disc herniation often experience poor sleep quality, which is closely related to pain severity and functional limitations. In addition, a bidirectional relationship exists between chronic pain and sleep disturbances, where poor sleep can increase pain perception, and pain can further impair sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder associated with reduced sleep quality, daytime dysfunction, and adverse health outcomes. The STOP-Bang questionnaire (Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, high blood Pressure, Body mass index, Age, Neck circumference, and Gender) is a widely used and practical screening tool to identify individuals at high risk for OSA in clinical settings. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs are commonly used in the conservative management of lumbar disc herniation and have been shown to improve pain and functional outcomes. However, the effect of the timing of rehabilitation (daytime versus evening) on sleep-related outcomes has not been sufficiently investigated. Considering that circadian rhythms influence pain perception, physiological processes, and sleep regulation, the timing of rehabilitation interventions may play an important role in clinical outcomes. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of daytime versus evening rehabilitation programs on sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in patients with lumbar disc herniation who are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related respiratory dysfunction. The prevalence of OSA is increasing with the increasing rates of obesity and elderly population worldwide. Perioperative anesthesia management should be adjusted to improve patient safety in patients with OSA. In OSA patients, positive pressure ventilation support may be required in the preoperative period, various ventilation strategies may be required in the intraoperative period, different pharmacologic agents may need to be avoided, and intensive care unit follow-up or noninvasive ventilation support may be required in the postoperative period. However, it is reported that a significant percentage of OSA patients remain undiagnosed. ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) has reported the criteria that should be questioned in order to determine the risk of patients in terms of OSA and to initiate the diagnostic process in risky patients and to make appropriate anesthesiologic arrangements in the perioperative period. In addition, the STOP-BANG assessment scale, which is widely used all over the world in OSA risk assessment, is also used in OSA risk assessment. It is thought that dental caries and extraction needs may be higher in OSA patients, especially since open-mouth sleeping accompanies the situation. In this respect, it is also important for patients to be diagnosed with OSA as it may prevent dental damage due to open-mouth sleeping in the future. Identifying patients at risk for OSA and directing them to the diagnostic process is very important for patient safety. Within the scope of the study, the criteria recommended by ASA and STOP-BANG score will be evaluated and recorded. Risk stratification in terms of STOP-BANG questionnaire and ASA criteria will be done separately for each patient and for each classification method. Patients at high risk will be consulted to the relevant medical department in the preoperative period for further investigation and treatment. In addition, it is aimed to correlate the risk levels determined in the study with postoperative respiratory complications and recovery time.