Routine preoperative tests for elective surgery

Recommendation ID: NG45/1
Question: Polysomnography:- Does preoperative screening of people who are at risk of obstructive sleep apnoea with polysomnography identify those at higher risk of postoperative complications?
Any explanatory notes (if applicable): Why this is important:- Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common condition, particularly in people who are obese, and is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. However, it is frequently undiagnosed before surgery. Work is ongoing to examine whether obstructive sleep apnoea is associated with a variety of postoperative outcomes (morbidity, mortality, quality of life) in specific surgical populations. However, there is currently no robust evidence or any ongoing trials studying whether preoperative assessment and diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea leads to preoperative intervention or improved postoperative outcomes.

Source guidance details

Is this a recommendation for the use of a technology only in the context of research?	No
Is it a recommendation that suggests collection of data or the establishment of a register?	No
Last Reviewed	30/04/2016