Incidence of pulmonary edema after tracheotomy for obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE

The phenomenon of postobstructive pulmonary edema (POPE) has been associated with the relief of upper airway obstruction, which itself is fundamental to the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A review of patients with OSA undergoing tracheotomy was performed to characterize this process.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of study patients with OSA undergoing tracheotomy and of control patients without OSA undergoing tracheotomy for unrelated problems. Chest radiographs were reviewed in a double-blind fashion to score posttracheotomy changes in pulmonary status.

METHODS

Academic tertiary referral center.

RESULTS

Thirty (67%) of 45 OSA patients treated by tracheotomy had evidence of POPE, whereas only 5 (20%) of 25 control group patients had increased pulmonary edema. The remaining 15 (33%) of 45 OSA patients and 20 (80%) of 25 control patients had either no change or an improved pulmonary status. Those with OSA that developed POPE were mostly graded as having mild pulmonary edema (22/30, 73%). Far fewer were graded as having moderate pulmonary edema (6/30, 20%), and fewer still with severe pulmonary edema (2/30, 7%). Two (7%) of 45 patients with severe POPE died of complications related to cor pulmonale in the postoperative period.

CONCLUSIONS

Results support maintaining a high index of suspicion for the development of postobstructive pulmonary edema in patients treated for OSA. Treatment options, such as positive pressure ventilation and diuresis, and an increased awareness of this condition may help reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with treatment of this disease.