Should we take precautions to avoid respiratory compromise while delaying CPAP resumption following transsfenoidal surgery? An alternative approach in a patient with severe obstructive sleep apnea: case report

Background We describe a patient with severe obstructive sleep apnea scheduled for transsfenoidal surgery. Early postoperative use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was considered unsafe because increased risk of intracranial complications. Methods Aiming to bypass the upper airway obstruction and thus avoid CPAP, a 6-mm nasopharyngeal airway was introduced by the surgical team under endoscopic vision. In the postoperative period and during follow-up, patient and his family did not complain about apnea/hypopnea episodes and nasopharyngeal airway was tolerated comfortably. Conclusion We recommend this technique as an alternative in obstructive sleep apnea patients undergoing transsfenoidal surgery.